Providing extra remedial support for phonics at school involves a combination of phonics assessments, targeted phonics programs, and the use of decodable texts.
This comprehensive approach helps educators identify specific areas where students may need additional support, implements effective teaching strategies through structured programs, and reinforces learning with reading materials that match the child’s phonics level.
Any extra support with phonics should be paired with a multi-pronged approach. Therefore, we recommend that classroom teachers, parents, and SENCos be onboard with the phonics approach.
For more information for phonics at home click here, for phonics in the classroom click here and for general reading difficulty information please click here.
Phonics Assessments
It's really important to know where the children are in their progress. Therefore, regular Phonics Assessments is a vital method used to evaluate a student's understanding of phonetic principles and their ability to apply these skills in reading and spelling. Regular assessments help identify areas where students may struggle, allowing for tailored interventions that address these specific needs.
How this helps
Assessments are essential for creating a targeted learning plan that addresses the unique needs of each student.
Recommended Phonics Assessments:
Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (CTOPP):
A standardised assessment that measures phonological awareness, phonological memory, and rapid naming. It is particularly useful for identifying students who may have underlying issues affecting their reading skills.
DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills):
A set of measures for assessing the acquisition of early literacy skills. Although often used with younger students, DIBELS can be adapted for older students who still need foundational phonics support.
Informal Phonics Assessments:
Tailored to the specific phonics skills being taught, these informal assessments can be integrated into daily lessons to monitor ongoing progress and make immediate instructional adjustments.
Phonics Programmes
Phonics programs are structured educational tools designed to teach reading and spelling through systematic instruction in phonics. These programs often include multi-sensory activities and step-by-step lessons that build upon each other, helping students develop a solid understanding of phonetic principles. There are many programs that the Department of Education recommend. For a full list see here.
How this helps
Phonics programs provide a consistent and structured approach to teaching phonics, which is especially beneficial for students who require extra support. By following a carefully designed curriculum, these programs ensure that students receive comprehensive instruction that covers all the essential phonics skills needed for reading success.
Recommended programme
Sounds-Write
Sounds-Write is a structured phonics programme suitable for children from Reception to Year 3. It focuses on synthetic phonics, teaching students to blend and segment sounds to help with reading and spelling. The program provides intensive support for children who are struggling with decoding and spelling.
Pros
The systematic, sequential instruction of phonics establishes a robust base in reading capabilities. Especially advantageous for kids requiring extra assistance with deciphering and spelling. Imparts essential reading skills on which children perpetually expand during their primary school years.
Cons
The program requires regular, consistent practice to be most effective, which may be challenging in busy school schedules.
While great for early years, its effectiveness reduces as children grow older and move on to more complex reading skills.
Recommended programme
Toe by Toe
Toe by Toe is a highly structured, step-by-step reading program designed for students aged 7 and above. It focuses on phonics, blending, and decoding skills and can be used with struggling readers or those with dyslexia. It is often used in one-on-one settings with parents, teachers, or tutors.
Pros
Breaks reading down into manageable, step-by-step activities that ensure mastery of each skill.
Well-suited for children with specific reading difficulties like dyslexia.
Can be delivered by non-specialists
Cons
The structured approach can feel repetitive, which might not engage all learners.
Designed for thoroughness, so it may take a longer time to see significant progress.
Requires one-on-one attention
Recommended programme
Jolly Phonics
An engaging, multi-sensory phonics program that uses actions, songs, and games to teach reading and writing skills. It’s particularly effective for younger students but can be adapted for older learners as well.
Pros
Uses actions, songs, and games, which can make learning phonics fun and engaging for young children.
Multi-sensory approach helps reinforce learning through sight, sound, and movement.
Easy to adapt for individual or group learning, making it flexible for different classroom environments.
Cons
Younger learners may love the playful approach, but it might not suit older students as they may find the activities too childish.
Requires consistent practice and repetition.
Teachers need to be well-trained in the multi-sensory methods to deliver the program effectively.
Recommended programme
Read Write Inc.
A comprehensive phonics program that integrates reading, writing, and spelling instruction. It’s designed to support learners at various levels, offering targeted strategies for those who need more intensive instruction.
Pros
Combines reading, writing, and spelling in one comprehensive program, giving students well-rounded literacy support.
Targets different levels of learners, making it effective for both struggling readers and more advanced students.
Provides clear structure and progression, helping students move through phonics stages smoothly.
Cons
Requires significant teacher training and consistent delivery to ensure results.
Can be time-consuming in busy school schedules, as it demands frequent practice and follow-up.
The structured nature may feel rigid for some learners who prefer more flexible learning approaches.
Decodable Texts
Decodable texts are reading materials specifically designed to align with a child's current phonics knowledge. These texts include only the phonetic patterns and words that the child has already learned, making them an essential tool for building reading fluency and confidence.
How this helps
Decodable texts provide a structured and supportive reading experience, allowing students to practice their phonics skills in a meaningful context. By focusing on words they can decode, students build confidence and fluency. Repeated reading of decodable texts reinforces learning and helps students achieve high levels of accuracy and comprehension.
Tips for Decodable Texts
Selecting Decodable Texts:
Choose decodable texts that match the child’s current phonics level. Ensure the text only includes words and phonetic patterns that the child has already learned.
Repeated Reading:
Encourage the child to read the same decodable text multiple times over several days. Each reading helps solidify their understanding of the phonetic patterns and improves their reading speed and accuracy.
Recommended programme
The Oxford Owl
Oxford Reading Tree is one of the most widely used reading schemes in UK schools.
Their Phonics Books are decodable, aligning with phonics stages to support early readers. Oxford Owl offers free access to some of these books online, and their resources are structured to match the UK phonics curriculum.