Phase 1 Phonics is the very first step in your child’s journey toward learning to read and write. At this stage, we’re not yet focusing on letters or sounds of the alphabet. Instead, we’re building something just as important—listening and speaking skills.
These early skills help children:
This phase lays the foundation for future phonics learning, especially for Phase 2, when children begin learning actual letter sounds.
Phase 1 is divided into seven key areas, or “aspects,” each designed to support a different part of your child’s communication development. These are fun, active, and often musical—and there are lots of ways you can join in at home!
Children learn to notice and name the sounds all around them—from birds chirping to cars driving by.
Activities you can try at home:
This aspect helps children explore and describe different sounds made by instruments or household items.
Fun ideas:
Children explore rhythm and sound using their own bodies!
Try at home:
This stage develops a love of rhymes and introduces early poetry and word patterns.
At-home ideas:
Here, we focus on words that start with the same sound (like big bear or silly snake).
Activities to try:
This is all about distinguishing between different vocal sounds and to begin oral blending and segmenting.
Try this fun game:
This is the final step before learning letter sounds. It helps children hear how sounds come together to make words, or break a word into its sounds.
You can try:
The best part? These skills can be built through play, music, and simple daily routines. Here’s how:
Below check out our exciting “Phase 1 Phonics – Home Learning Challenges” which cover each of the aspects your child will need to be confident in. Here you will find many more ideas to support your child with their phonics phase 1 learning journey at home.
(attach relevant home learning documents for aspects 1-7)
These activities are fun, interactive, and set the stage for confident, successful readers.