What is Phase 1?
Letters and Sounds Phase 1 is the first stage in a phonics program used in many primary schools in the UK. It focuses on developing children’s listening skills and their awareness of the sounds around them, which is a crucial foundation for later phonics learning.
During Phase 1, children are introduced to different types of sounds, including environmental sounds (such as animal sounds and everyday sounds), instrumental sounds (such as those made by musical instruments), body percussion, and rhythm and rhyme. The aim is to encourage children to listen attentively and to distinguish between different sounds.
Overall, Phase 1 is about developing children’s awareness of the sounds around them and helping them to develop their listening skills, which will provide a strong foundation for the rest of their phonics learning.
How can help support your child?
Here are some tips for helping your child with Phase 1 phonics:
- Encourage listening: Help your child to become more aware of the sounds around them by encouraging them to listen attentively.
- Play listening games: There are many fun listening games that you can play with your child to help them develop their phonics skills. For example, you could play “I Spy” using sounds instead of letters.
- Read rhyming books: Reading books with lots of rhyming words can help your child to develop their awareness of sound patterns.
- Sing songs: Singing songs with your child is a great way to help them develop their phonics skills.
- Go on a sound walk: Take your child on a sound walk around your local area and encourage them to identify different sounds they hear.
Remember that Phase 1 phonics is all about developing your child’s listening skills and awareness of sounds. By making it fun and engaging, you can help your child to build a strong foundation for their future phonics learning.
Resources to support Phase 1 learning
Listening Lotto: Sounds at Home
The Listening Lotto: Sounds at Home is an educational game designed for children to help them learn to identify and distinguish different sounds they may hear in their home environment.
This game is a fun and interactive way for children to develop their listening skills, memory, and ability to identify and distinguish sounds in their environment. It can be played individually or in groups, making it a great activity for classrooms or families to enjoy together.
Rhyme and Sort Rockets
The Learning Resources Rhyme & Sort Rockets is an educational toy designed for young children to help them develop their early reading and phonemic awareness skills. The toy includes 8 rockets, each featuring a picture and a corresponding word that rhymes with it, as well as 80 foam balls with pictures and words that can be sorted into the rockets.
The Rhyme & Sort Rockets toy is a fun and engaging way for young children to learn and practice rhyming skills. It is suitable for children aged 3 and above and can be played alone or with others, making it a great activity for families or classrooms.
Sound Detectives
Sound Detectives is a listening and matching game designed for children aged 3-7. It’s an excellent game for helping young children to develop their listening and matching skills, as well as their ability to identify and distinguish different sounds. It also helps to improve their memory, concentration, and attention to detail. The game can be played individually or with others, making it an excellent activity for families or classrooms to enjoy together.
First Learning Rhyming Puzzle
The Learning Puzzle Rhyming game is a puzzle game designed for young children to help them develop their vocabulary, rhyming skills, and problem-solving abilities. The game includes 20 two-piece puzzles that feature pictures of familiar objects and their corresponding words, as well as rhyming words.
The First Words First Learning Puzzle Rhyming game is a great way to introduce young children to basic vocabulary and phonemic awareness in a fun and interactive way.
Soundiculous
Soundiculous is a fast-paced party game which involves a series of challenges where players have to guess the sounds they hear, imitate sounds, or make noises themselves to create the correct sound.
The game is fast-paced and encourages players to think on their feet, be creative, and have fun. Overall, Soundiculous is a fun and engaging game that challenges players to use their listening and creative skills in a playful and entertaining way.
Nursery Rhyme Finger Puppet Set
The Puppet Company’s Nursery Rhymes Finger Puppet Set is a delightful collection of finger puppets that bring beloved nursery rhymes to life. Measuring 14 x 20 centimeters, this set features colourful and detailed puppets of popular nursery rhyme characters such as Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, and Little Miss Muffet. The set includes 10 finger puppets in total, each with its own unique design and personality.
What Rhymes with Me?
“What Rhymes With Me?” is an engaging and educational guessing game designed for children aged 3 to 6 years old. The game is simple: each page features a word, and the child is encouraged to guess which word rhymes with it.
As children guess the rhyming word, they will develop their language and vocabulary skills, as well as their phonemic awareness. This interactive book is perfect for parents and caregivers looking for a fun and educational activity to share with their little ones.
Reading and Rhyme Ages 3-5
“Reading and Rhyme Ages 3-5” is a fantastic learning tool for children aged 3 to 5 years old. This paperback book, is designed to support home learning and is packed with fun activities and exercises to help young children develop their reading and language skills.
Throughout the book, children will find engaging illustrations and fun activities that will keep them motivated and interested in learning. With its clear and accessible language, “Reading and Rhyme Ages 3-5” is the perfect tool for parents and caregivers looking to support their child’s early education and prepare them for success in school.
The Rhyming Rabbit
The Horrid Henry Mega Collection is a set of books featuring the popular children’s character Horrid Henry. The collection includes 30 books, each containing a series of short stories that follow the misadventures of the mischievous and sometimes naughty Horrid Henry.
The stories in the Horrid Henry books are designed to be entertaining and engaging for children, with humorous situations and relatable characters. The books can be a great way to encourage children to read, as they offer short and easy-to-digest stories that are perfect for young readers.
Speaking and Listening Games
“Traction Man Is Here!” is a children’s book written and illustrated by Mini Grey. The book follows the adventures of a toy action figure named Traction Man, who is always ready to save the day with his various gadgets and accessories.
The book is known for its clever use of language, playful humour, and colourful illustrations that bring Traction Man and his world to life. It has received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Nestle Children’s Book Prize and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award.
