Phonics

What is phonics? Find out in our phonics guide for parents. Learn about Letters and Sounds, the phonics screening test, and how to practice phonics at home.

What is phonics?

Education expert Laura Sharp breaks down what phonics is, how phonics is taught in schools, and why phonics is important and useful.

How can I support my child with phonics?

There are so many easy things you can do to help support your child’s phonics learning. Here are a few ideas from phonics expert Laura Sharp.

Read Write Inc. Phonics: reading at home

If your child is being taught to read using Read Write Inc. Phonics at school, you'll find these kits and flashcards invaluable in supporting their reading development at home

Book of the Month: Oxford Phonics Spelling Dictionary

The Oxford Phonics Spelling Dictionary is packed with words ordered by phonic sound to help young children learn how to spell. Enter our competition to win a free copy.

Phonics screening check

Everything you need to know about the phonics screening check, taken by 6-year-olds in Year 1. Phonics advice for parents and activities to try at home.

Learning to read in Reception

Find out what sort of books to expect to come home in your child’s book bag, and get top tips on how best to support your child.

Phonics videos

Find out what phonics is, learn how to say the sounds, and get expert advice on the best ways to help your child learn to read with phonics.

Preparing for the phonics screening check

The phonics screening check is an informal way for schools to assess your child's progress in reading. Sarah Loader shares tips for supporting your child's development at home.

More Phonics Flashcards

Read Write Inc. Phonics

This second pack of Read White Inc. Phonics flashcards is a fun way to introduce Speed Sounds Set 2 and 3. With humorous illustrations and rhymes, these cards are perfect for introducing the next steps in phonics. View product

Phonics: Sam’s Backpack and Other Stories

Read with Oxford | Stage 1 | Age 3–4

Join Sam on a camping trip with his special backpack and help Pip catch her dragon balloon! Contains six captivating Read with Oxford stories with clear phonics progression. View product

Phonics: The Bucket Rocket and Other Stories

Read with Oxford | Stage 2 | Age 4–5

Read about Buzz's dream of going into space in his big, red bucket and join Fang as he faces his fear of the dentist! Contains six Read with Oxford stories. View product

Phonics: The Dinosaur King and Other Stories

Read with Oxford | Stage 3 | Age 5–6

Join Tops on a journey to meet the Dinosaur King and discover a planet made out of cake! Contains six captivating Read with Oxford stories with clear phonics progression. View product

Phonics: Snoot’s Big Bad Dream and Other Stories

Read with Oxford | Stage 4 | Age 5–7

Find out what happens when Snoot stands up to his big, bad dream and meet the boy with a sabre-tooth kitten! Contains six captivating Read with Oxford stories. View product

Phonics: Word games

Find the words that have the /ai/ phonic sound in this wordsearch.