The Phonics Blog
Practical phonics articles for parents and teachers. Research-backed methods, age-by-age guides, free printables, and tried-at-home tips. 93 articles and counting.
Phonics vs Phonetics: What's the Difference?
Parents often use the two words interchangeably. One is a teaching method, the other is a branch of linguistics — here's why the mix-up matters.
5 min read
Phonics Terms Glossary: 25 Words Every Parent Should Know
Plain-English definitions for the jargon that shows up in every phonics program — phoneme, grapheme, digraph, decodable, and 21 more.
6 min read
How to Teach Segmenting: The Skill Blending Depends On
Segmenting (breaking a word into sounds) is the mirror skill of blending — most programs teach blending first and leave this half-explained.
6 min read
How Many Letter Sounds Should My Child Know by Age 5?
A concrete milestone chart by age, plus what to do if your child is behind on letter-sound recall specifically (not blending).
6 min read
Compound Words List: 100+ Examples for Decoding Practice
Two small words joined into one is an easy way to decode a 'big' word. Full lists by theme, plus the split-and-blend method for long words.
6 min read
Y as a Vowel: When Y Says /i/, /ī/, or /ē/
Y is a consonant in 'yes' and 'yellow' but a vowel almost everywhere else — three vowel sounds depending on word length and position, with word lists.
6 min read
What Happens If My Child Fails the Phonics Screening Check?
It isn't a pass/fail in the way it sounds — what 'working towards the standard' triggers at school and at home.
6 min read
Phonics Screening Check for Children With SEND: Access Arrangements
What access arrangements schools can apply (extra time, modified delivery) and how to request them.
6 min read
Free Phonics Screening Check Practice Papers (Printable)
Printable practice papers in the real test format — 40 words, real + pseudo-words, timed and untimed versions.
5 min read
Phonics Screening Check 2026: Dates and What to Expect on the Day
Official date window, what the test day actually looks like for a 6-year-old, and how to prepare them emotionally.
5 min read
The FLOSS Rule: When to Double Letters (f, l, s, z)
After a short vowel in a 1-syllable word, f, l, s, z usually double at the end — fluff, spell, glass, buzz. Full word lists and the exceptions.
5 min read
When to Get a Reading Tutor vs Keep Working at Home
A decision framework — specific signs that mean home practice alone won't close the gap fast enough.
6 min read
Teach phonics online — one short lesson a day
Sign in free and follow a plan that remembers where you are. Right here in your browser, on phone, tablet or computer — nothing to download.
- 92 step-by-step lessons, SATPIN first
- Big flashcards to show your child
- Games, checkpoints and progress for every sound
For little ones (2–6) there’s also our sound-play game on iPhone & iPad and Android.