How to introduce phonics at home
A gentle way to start phonics at home: letter sounds, blending and short, playful practice that fits around family life.
Ages 4–7
For parents and educators
Learning Guides
Practical guides for parents and educators on phonics, early reading, pencil control, handwriting and simple home-learning routines.
Helping children develop pencil control
Practical ways to build the hand strength and control children need before writing letters, from play to tracing lines and shapes.
Ages 4–5
Supporting early reading at home
Simple ways to support a child who is starting to read: sharing books, practising decodable words and keeping reading enjoyable.
Ages 5–9
Understanding CVC words
What CVC words are, why they are often the first words children read, and simple ways to practise them with word families.
Ages 4–7
Helping children practise handwriting
How to help children form letters correctly at home: starting points, stroke direction and short, encouraging practice.
Ages 4–7
Creating simple home-learning routines
How to fit short, calm learning sessions into family life, with ideas for timing, setting up a space and keeping it pressure-free.
Ages 4–10
Choosing age-appropriate learning resources
How to choose learning resources that match your child's stage rather than just their age, and how to tell if a page is too easy or too hard.
Ages 4–10
Looking for ways to fit learning into family life? Read our Family Learning page