Phase 1

Foundations for Phonics

The most important aspects of Foundations for Phonics to develop in the nursery and at home are:

  • Sharing high-quality stories and poems with children
  • Learning a range of nursery rhymes and action rhymes
  • Being involved with activities that develop focused listening and attention, including oral blending
  • Developing high-quality language through daily conversations

 

Children should have lots of opportunities to engage with books that fire their imagination and interest, as well as immerse them in language they would not otherwise be exposed to. They should also be provided with a range of high-quality books to choose and read (in their own words), as well as to share with an adult. In Nursery, children will share books as part of a class daily.

 

Nursery Rhymes and Songs

 

Listening and Attention

Go on Listening Walks - Children need to learn to distinguish between different sounds in their environment for example, the difference between a:

  • bus and car
  • keys and coins
  • hairdryer and vacuum
  • train and plane

Developing this skill will support the children when learning to master oral blending.