2.5y–4.2y15 minReadingMusicFamily time
Mini Multisensory Phonics Burst
A short, systematic, multisensory phonics-style session using everyday materials to keep attention high while practising a small set of sounds and blending them into simple words.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper and marker
- a tray/plate with a thin layer of flour, salt, or rice (for tracing letters)
- 3-5 small counters (buttons, caps) for blending
Nice to have
- a small torch/flashlight to 'spot' letters
- a timer (phone) to keep it brief
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What it practices
- Recognises rhythm in spoken words.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Joins in with repeated refrains and anticipates key events and phrases in rhymes and stories.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to be aware of the way stories are structured.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “When children are ready (usually, but not always, by the age of five) provide regular systematic synthetic phonics sessions. These should be multisensory in order to capture their interests, sustain motivation and reinforce learning.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)