Explain How Phonics Is Taught

Share the methods used in the classroom, such as teaching sound-letter correspondences, blending sounds to form words, and breaking words into their phonetic components. Highlight the importance of repetition and multi-sensory techniques, such as using actions, songs, or visual aids.

Identify Challenges

Be specific about where they might be struggling. For example:

• Are they finding it difficult to recognise certain sounds?

• Are they struggling with blending sounds into words?

• Are they having trouble remembering spelling patterns?
  Clear examples will help parents understand how to target their support.

Provide Practical Suggestions for Home

Share simple activities parents can do at home to reinforce phonics learning:

• Sound Hunts: Find objects that start with a specific sound.

• Blending Practice: Play games where they blend sounds to form simple words.

• Use Apps: Suggest phonics-based learning apps, such as Spelling Shed or Nessy, to make practice engaging.

Offer Resources

Provide parents with a list of phonics sounds and word lists that their child is currently learning. Suggest books or decodable texts that match their current level.

Reassure and Encourage

Let parents know that struggles with phonics are common and can improve with consistent practice. Highlight any small successes that their child has achieved in class to reassure them that progress is being made.