Phonics Boost

This Phonics Screening week, I want to wish all of the children I teach, and every year 1 child taking the test, the best of luck. I know you will all try your best, which is all we can ask of you. You are all superstars and remember - this test is more for your teachers than you, and whatever happens it will guide the next steps for your reading journey. You've got this!

If you have a child struggling with letter formation I can recommend getting outside with a paintbrush and water. Great for repeating letters or tracing and on a warm day it fades almost instantly so you can go again!

Another simple but super effective resource for home learning…lining paper! I buy it in rolls and it is so versatile. Children seem to love having a larger place to draw / work. Give it a try and let me know how you get on!

The power of a blind bag! I have noticed with my own children how much they love anything in a packet that they can’t see. Usually it is an overpriced piece of plastic but my children love them so I decided to adapt it for my sessions.

These bags came from a larger blind bag and are resealable. I just pop favourite characters or toys in them then we open them as a reward for an activity or challenge and have a collection for that session. Next session I may use the same items again or vary it up depending on what each pupil likes. So far my pupils have been loving them! Great for motivation or reluctant learners.

Just finished a fabulous Maths session working on ways to make 10. Phonics Boost began as a place for Phonics, but as I have met more families it has begun to evolve and I am so excited to be using my teaching background to teach Maths as well. Same hands on method and still using my faithful coffee cups! If you have a young learner struggling with Maths at home please feel free to get in touch.

Another charity shop bargain! I got this fishing game for £2 from a local charity shop and I have used it in every session since! Again - I have grabbed my trusty whiteboard pen and written Phonics sounds, numbers or tricky words on the bottom of the fish. The children are loving it and keep asking to play again! I highly recommend searching charity shops for second hand games to use in your home learning.

Several of my pupils have now passed their Phonics screening and we have moved on to reading for fluency. This can be a big jump for a lot of children as they go from sounding out individual words for Phonics to reading full sentences. Children often feel overwhelmed or reluctant so I have been looking at ways to keep them engaged and enjoy their reading.

I found these LEGO Phonics books by chance in a charity shop but they have been invaluable! I often type out sentences or create character bios to encourage reading beyond just the text but whenever I get them out the children get really excited and can't wait to read them. It is always worth while keeping an eye out in charity shops as Phonics books often end up there once children outgrow them. Great for those transitional readers.

If you have any questions about what come after Phonics please get in touch or keep following for more ideas.

I've noticed recently just how much I use Duplo in my sessions. It is such a versatile resource for not only Phonics but Maths learning as well. So if you have any Duplo (or LEGO) at home, grab a whiteboard pen and give it a go for home learning. Keep following for more ideas on how to support your children at home.

I am extremely lucky with my tutoring and all of my after school sessions are currently full, but I have found myself with some daytime availability. If you or anyone you know needs a Phonics tutor / specialist during the day then please get in touch. I have worked with several local schools as an intervention tutor and I work with families to help them with their understanding of Phonics and how we can support learning at home. I am available in Lichfield and surrounding areas, or online. Let's spread the Phonics fun!

My sessions are all about hands-on, interactive learning and making the most of recycling, toys and games. We have so much fun!