Phonics
Play Anima Phoneme Songs
Listen to the Anima Soundboard
Phonics Scheme
At our school, we utilise the Anima Phonics scheme, a comprehensive and engaging program designed to make learning to read a fun and successful experience for all students.
Anima Phonics focusses on systematic synthetic phonics, ensuring children develop a strong foundation in phonemic awareness. Key features of the scheme include interactive lessons, multisensory activities, and decodable texts that align with each child's reading level. This approach not only helps students grasp letter-sound relationships quickly but also builds their confidence as fluent, independent readers. Our commitment to the Anima Phonics scheme reflects our dedication to fostering a love of reading and lifelong learning in every student.
Anima Phonics at Hallcroft
Anima Phonics, our chosen phonics scheme. This is supported by our pre-phonics scheme, Super Sound Phonics in Nursery.
- Click here for the Parent Information Booklet to find out how we teach phonics, the sounds and actions.
- Click here to listen to the Anima Phonic Songs
- Click here to access the Anima Soundboard
What is phonics?
Phonics is a system that links letters to sounds. It is the recommended way to teach children how to read in schools in England.
How often will my child be taught Phonics?
Your child will have a phonics lesson each day. The sessions are approximately 20 minutes long. You might be surprised at the fast pace at which the new sounds are introduced, but this is to enable children to begin to read words quickly.
How can I help my child with phonics?
Support your child to:
- Practice orally blending words. For example, you say "c-a-t". Your child will orally blend the sounds and say "cat."
- Practice recall of their phoneme flashcards with actions. Your child may enjoy listening to the Anima songs too.
- Only use pure sounds when decoding words – don't add 'uh' after the sound.
We must use pure sounds when we are pronouncing the sounds and supporting children in reading words. If we mispronounce these sounds, we will make reading harder for our children. Please listen to the Anima Soundboard for examples of how to accurately pronounce these sounds.
- Support them to read their school book at least 3 times a week. Point to each sound in the word individually, then swipe your finger under the word for them to blend the sounds together. Encourage your child to read the word/ sentence back once they have sounded it out. There are many rewards and prizes to celebrate milestones for the number of times your child has read.
- Read stories to your child to grow a love of reading.
Super Sounds Pre-Phonics in Nursery
We have chosen Super Sounds Phonics by The Learning Lady as our pre-phonics scheme because it provides a fun, structured and research-informed start to early reading. Through playful activities, songs and books, children develop essential listening, sound discrimination and oral language skills that build strong foundations before formal phonics begins. The scheme’s clear routines, engaging resources and child-friendly approach help every learner grow in confidence, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next steps in reading and writing in Reception.