When a child finds sound–letter patterns difficult, regular practice can help, but the practice needs to match the programme used at school. Different terminology or prompts can add confusion.

Agree what to practise

Ask the teacher or SENCo for:

• the small set of sounds and spellings currently being taught;

• the actions, keywords or prompts the school uses;

• a suitable word list, sound mat or book; and

• guidance on how errors are corrected.

Use those materials rather than creating a new sequence at home.

Ask which phonics programme school follows. Some have free videos for parents showing how each sound is said and taught, for example Little Wandle and Read Write Inc..

Use a short routine

A good starting point is three or four times a week, for five to ten minutes. Each time:

1. Review two or three current sound–spelling patterns.

2. Read a few words containing them.

3. Build or write one or two words by identifying each sound.

4. Read the complete words again.

For example, if the focus is oa, read and build words such as boat, coat and road. Model the first one, complete the next together and then let your child try.

Stop before concentration drops. A short successful session is more useful than a long session that becomes frustrating.

Keep school informed

Note which patterns are becoming easier and which remain difficult. Share this with school so practice can be adjusted. Ask for a review if your child is making little progress, avoiding reading or becoming distressed.

Parents are reinforcing the school’s teaching here, not being asked to deliver a full phonics programme.

Talamo has no commercial relationship with any of the organisations named here. We suggest them only because we think they could be useful to families.