PHONICS PLAY BY BROLLY JUNIORS
What Is Phonics? A Simple Guide for Parents
Phonics connects the sounds in spoken words with the letters or groups of letters used to write them. Children use these connections to read and spell unfamiliar words.
Start with a sound, not a definition
Say sun aloud. The first sound is /s/. Show the letter s, listen to its English sound and say the word again. This small connection is a practical example of phonics. You can also notice the sounds in a word without showing any letters; listening and written-letter practice support different parts of the activity.
Blend to read; segment to spell
For reading, bring /s/ /a/ /t/ together to make sat. For spelling, start with the spoken word sat, hear its three sounds and choose s, a and t. Use the short English a sound. These are opposite directions through the same sound–letter connection.
One sound does not always mean one letter
In ship, sh represents one sound. English also has alternative spellings and words that need extra attention. Avoid telling a child that every English letter always makes just one sound. Learn a small set of examples and compare them.
Try a two-minute activity
Write s, a and t on separate cards. Play each sound, point to its card and slide the cards together. Read sat and explain its meaning. Then let your child choose one sound to hear again. If blending feels too demanding, finish by matching a sound to one card.
Connect reading with meaning
After decoding a word, talk about what it means. After a sentence, ask what happened. Phonics is one part of reading alongside vocabulary, understanding and shared enjoyment of books. The app’s short stories add opportunities to discuss meaning.
Try the next step.
In the app, look for Sound Detective.
Practical guidance from Kids English Phonics. Examples are for parent-supported practice; individual needs and progress vary.
A LITTLE PRACTICE. A BIG ADVENTURE.
Ready to meet your next sound?
Open Phonics Play and explore one small activity together.