5-Step Phonics Lesson Template (Free PDF)

One repeatable lesson format — review, teach, blend, read, write — with a worked example and four blank copies.

What’s inside

• An instructions page: fill in the date and target sound, work through the 5 steps.
• A worked example teaching short a, filled in step by step.
• Four blank lesson templates (copy 1 to 4), each with timed steps: Review (2–3 min) and so on.

How to use it

1. Read the worked example first.
2. Fill in a blank copy before each lesson.
3. Keep to the time on each step — a whole lesson is about 15 minutes.
4. Print more copies as you need them.

Watch out for

• Skipping the review step to save time usually costs more later — keep it, even at 2 minutes.
• Teach one new sound per lesson; two at once makes both harder to remember.
• End with the write step even if it's one word — writing locks in the reading.

Who it’s for

Parents and tutors planning their own lessons for 4–7-year-olds.

Where it fits: Stage 2 — The Rest of the Alphabet

Goes well with

• Free Phonics Lesson Plan Template (5-Step Structure)
• The 5-Minute Daily Phonics Routine That Beats 30-Minute Sessions
• Or use the ready-made 92-lesson plan