Blending and segmentation skills are a key feature, with activities designed to develop awareness of phoneme-grapheme correspondence. A corresponding picture chart shows examples of how the letters are used in whole words. Pictures provide visual reinforcement for the words. There is a considerable emphasis on the importance of correct articulation of the letter sounds and many teachers may find themselves re-examining their own practice in this area. If children are to fully understand the complexities of our spelling rules, they must not be taught that 'one letter makes one sound'.
Schools can use the materials flexibly to suit identified needs.
Back up resources complement the charts and provide different ways of varying the input for the word level part of shared time. Work using these two resources may be completed either during or after the lesson. Writing and rewriting 'larger than normal' letters helps learners to recall all of the letters in words. Thanks to all those teachers and parents that have contacted us, either through our Australasia Office, UK Office or our websites, about the recent national and international concerns over the use of children's names and contact email-addresses on websites, especially in discussion forums. Resources and ideas are comprehensive.