Teacher Play LTD

We’re making early learning far more complicated than it needs to be.

The EYFS Early Learning Goals are actually very clear. By the end of Reception, children are expected to have secure foundations in reading, writing and number not a lengthy list of advanced skills.

Even the Writing ELG doesn’t require children to independently compose lengthy pieces. A dictated sentence can be used to demonstrate their understanding of sentence structure, punctuation and composition, allowing assessment to focus on what they know rather than what they can physically record.

Sometimes it feels like we’ve added layers of expectations that were never intended.

What if we focused on securing the basics, building confidence and nurturing a love of learning instead?

What are your thoughts? 👇

END OF EYFS EXPECTATION…✍️📖

Reading ELG

Children at the expected level of development will:

* Say a sound for each letter in the alphabet and at least 10 digraphs.
* Read words consistent with their phonic knowledge by sound-blending.
* Read aloud simple sentences and books that are consistent with their phonic knowledge, including some common exception words.

Writing ELG

Children at the expected level of development will:

* Write recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed.
* Spell words by identifying sounds in them and representing the sounds with a letter or letters.
* Write simple phrases and sentences that can be read by others.

From initial sound cards in Stage 1, to CVC blending, and now exploring Stage 2 special friends and sound splits ✨

We’ve covered so much in this video, and it’s amazing to see how these small steps build strong reading foundations. 📚💛

Which stage is your little learner working on right now? Let us know below ⬇️

Did you know many phonics sounds are pronounced differently from how adults naturally say them? 🤔

When teaching your child to read, keep sounds short and pure:
✅ m = “mmm”
✅ s = “sss”
✅ t = “t”
❌ Avoid adding “uh” (e.g. “muh”, “suh”, “tuh”)

Using pure sounds helps children blend words more easily and become confident readers faster. 📚✨

Save this post for later and follow for more simple phonics tips! 💜

Don’t tell your child about the Phonics Screening Check tomorrow. 📚

They’re only 5 or 6 years old. To them, it’s just another day of reading with their teacher.

No pressure. No stress. No late night practising.

The best thing you can do? Get them to bed on time, give them breakfast, and remind them how amazing they are. ❤️

✏️ The part your child struggles with the… is forming letters correctly.

Letter formation is a key part of the Early Learning Goals (ELG) for Writing. When children learn to form letters accurately, they can focus more on spelling, sentence building, and sharing their amazing ideas.

A few minutes of practice each day can make a huge difference to confidence and progress. 💜

By the end of Reception, children achieve so much! ✨

Watching little learners grow into confident readers and writers is one of the most rewarding parts of the Reception journey. ❤️

📚 Early Learning Goal: Reading
Children can:
✔️ Say a sound for each letter in the alphabet and at least 10 digraphs.
✔️ Read words consistent with their phonic knowledge by sound-blending.
✔️ Read simple sentences and books that match their phonic knowledge, including some common exception words.

✏️ Early Learning Goal: Writing
Children can:
✔️ Write recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed.
✔️ Spell words by identifying sounds and representing them with letters.
✔️ Write simple phrases and sentences that can be read by others.

Every child develops at their own pace, but these are the goals Reception children are working towards by the end of the year. 🌟

“q” is never alone… it’s always with its special friend “u” 💜

Teach it as “qu” from the very beginning so children learn the sound correctly and confidently ✨

qu = /kw/ 🦆

Phonics for Beginners: PART 1 ✨📚

Starting phonics can feel overwhelming, but it really doesn’t have to be complicated 🤍 Little and often is always best!

In this series we’re breaking phonics down into simple, easy-to-understand tips for parents supporting reading at home 🏡

Follow for PART 2 👀
And leave your phonics questions below so we can answer them in the next video ✨