Phonics 101

Reading Champs Start Here: A Collection of Phonics Resources

What is Phonics?

Phonics is one of the five foundational pillars of reading. By definition, phonics is the method of teaching the relationship between the sounds of speech (spoken language) and alphabetical letters (written language).

Through effective phonics instruction, children learn how to read and write.

All children deserve the literacy skills they need to achieve success. Literacy is a powerful ability that equips us to learn, share ideas, understand important information, and navigate the world. All these skills are rooted in phonics.

Want to learn more about the wonders and methods of phonics? You’re in the right place.

Discover the best books for teaching phonics to your young reader. Our curated list pairs quality children's literature with specific phonics skills to make learning to read engaging and effective.

Discover the best books to learn phonics with. Our curated list pairs quality children’s literature with specific phonics skills.

Phonics Fundamentals

Learning about phonics is crucial for helping children become successful readers and writers.

Discover how phonics connects letters with sounds and why it’s fundamental to learning to read. Explore the science behind effective phonics instruction and how it builds the foundation for literacy success.

Explicit phonics instruction teaches letter-sound relationships directly, following a carefully designed sequence that builds from simple to complex patterns, creating strong reading foundations.

Explore the typical progression of phonics skills development from preschool through early elementary grades. Know what to expect at each stage of your child’s reading journey.

Compare different approaches to teaching phonics, including synthetic phonics, analytic phonics, and others. Learn why some methods show better results than others, especially for struggling readers.

Phonics Apps (Rated)

Understand how our literacy experts evaluate phonics apps and programs based on quality of instruction, usability, and engagement. See what makes a truly effective digital learning tool.

Explore our highest-rated apps and digital programs that truly deliver quality phonics instruction. Find the right tool to support your child’s specific learning needs.

Find specialized apps designed to support children who need additional practice or alternative approaches to mastering phonics concepts.

Phonics Skills by Age

Phonics learning follows predictable patterns across different age groups. Discover what phonics skills to expect and nurture as your child grows from preschool through elementary years.

Learn about the crucial pre-reading skills that prepare children for phonics instruction, including phonological awareness and letter recognition activities.

Explore the beginning stages of phonics learning, including letter-sound connections and simple blending activities appropriate for preschool and kindergarten.

Understand the core phonics concepts typically taught in kindergarten and first grade, including blending, segmenting, and reading simple decodable texts.

Phonics Resources

Understand how our literacy experts evaluate phonics apps and programs based on quality of instruction, usability, and engagement. See what makes a truly effective digital learning tool.

Interactive read-alouds offer a powerful way to reinforce phonics concepts as children hear sounds in meaningful contexts, allowing you to pause and highlight letter patterns while enjoying stories together.

Learn about effective ways to assess phonics skills and monitor student progress. Find resources for identifying students who need additional support.

Learn simple, effective ways to reinforce phonics learning outside the classroom. Discover activities that turn everyday moments into learning opportunities.