Ages 3-4
Create a firm foundation for literacy
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What's new from Rocket Phonics
The impact of Rocket Phonics
In 2021, we launched an Impact Trial in a select group of UK primary schools. Working with independent evaluators from Nottingham Trent University and the University of Birmingham, the Trial aimed to measure the impact of Rocket Phonics on reading attainment and reading enjoyment in comparison with other schools using other SSP programmes.
Report highlights:
- Pupils using Rocket Phonics, including those starting Year 1 with very low phonics knowledge, saw a rapid and measurable increase in phonics knowledge.
- Despite higher percentages of PP and EAL children in schools using Rocket Phonics, pupils’ attainment was in line with control schools and spelling appeared slightly better, based on average pre- and post-trial standardised test scores.
- Compared with those using other SSP programmes, teachers’ attitudes towards teaching phonics were far more positive amongst Rocket Phonics schools.
- Independent observational evidence indicated that children and teachers enjoyed their phonics lessons, and children engaged well with the Rocket Phonics resources they used.
Why teachers love Rocket Phonics
"The response to the scheme from every teacher at the school has been excitement. They’re amazed at the children’s progress. We are now in the best position we have ever been with regards to phonics and reading. We have transformed the attitude towards phonics amongst our adults in school (who now believe children ‘can’ do it!) and our children (who now believe phonics is fun!)."
What more teachers are saying...
The response to the scheme from every teacher at the school has been excitement. They’re amazed at the children’s progress.
Annie Dobbie, Phonics Lead Ebor Gardens Primary AcademyWe are now in the best position we have ever been with regards to phonics and reading. We have transformed the attitude towards phonics amongst our adults in school (who now believe children ‘can’ do it!) and our children (who now believe phonics is fun!).
Amy Brookes, Assistant Principal and Phonics and Reading Lead Victoria Primary AcademyMy preschool staff are really enjoying teaching the phonics scheme! The children are really enjoying learning the sounds. I’m having to go in all the time and see the children as they keep wanting to tell me what sound they are learning that day!
Sophie Wyatt, Early Years, Phonics and Early Reading Lead St. Barnabas CE First and Middle SchoolAs teachers, we love the way that aspects of grammar, spelling and handwriting are interwoven into the scheme allowing all these elements to be addressed without having to find more time within an already stretched timetable.
Louise Johnston, EYFS/Key Stage 1 Phase Leader Cheadle Heath Primary SchoolThe materials are clear, linear and distraction free and the small, cumulative steps benefit all pupils. Teacher workload in relation to phonics tuition is significantly reduced as all of the materials and lesson plans are readily available and easily accessible. We would highly recommend the Rocket Phonics programme!
Jane Davies, Head Teacher Boyne Hill Infant and Nursery School
The Rocket Phonics Journey
Ages 3-4
Create a firm foundation for literacy with a fun introductory phonics programme based on Phases 1-2 of Letters and Sounds. For children aged 3-4.
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Ensure young learners develop the skills they need to start their reading journey, through a focus on oral communication and phonemic awareness
- Introduce letter-sounds in the order of natural speech development and expand vocabulary using the flashcards and immersive Big Book stories
- Build confidence and enjoyment in learning through much-loved nursery rhymes, fun ditties and child-centred games and activities
- Develop letter-recognition skills using the accessible Activity Booklets that strengthen fine motor skills and provide practise for mark making and emergent handwriting
- Demonstrate how to navigate a book and practise early blending using vibrant reading books for Lilac and Lilac+ bands
Teacher favourites
How Rocket Phonics works
The Rocket Phonics Journey
What's included
Samples
Feel empowered to deliver phonics and literacy to suit your learners' needs through structured yet flexible teaching. Follow the Rocket Phonics journey all the way through Foundation and Key Stage 1:
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First Steps for ages 3-4
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Rocket Phonics SSP for ages 4-6
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Next Steps for ages 6-7
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Introduce and revise letter-sounds using colourful flashcards.
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Learn and revise letter-sounds in context and ignite a love of story by sharing the unique Big books stories, and playing fun interactive games as a class.
- Gradually build confidence and consistently practise reading and writing using the write-in booklets.
- Consolidate skills and spark a passion for reading through a rich collection of aligned and fully decodable reading books.
- Use the weekly assessments to ensure that learners stay on track.
Support for parents and teachers
Rocket Phonics CPD
Parent support
Rocket Phonics for Hubs
A guide to phonics for parents and schools
Rocket Phonics uses a straightforward approach to create transformative results: steady pace, whole-class teaching and consistent daily practice. We expect and encourage teachers to make suitable adaptations; you know what is best for your learners. But generally, our schools report that they achieve the best results when they implement the Rocket Phonics pedagogy.
It can be challenging to teach phonics in a different way which is why we recommend schools complete a minimum of 1-day of CPD training with Abigail Steel Training. Ongoing professional development is also key to ongoing phonics success; we provide a range of additional courses to support different needs from teaching lower attainers to leadership development.
Rocket Phonics has a simple mission: to ensure every learner becomes a lifelong reader and writer.
The proven story-based approach by literacy expert Abigail Steel puts a love of reading at the heart of phonics. By working with primary schools, we’ve created a next-generation programme that will:
- raise phonics attainment
- develop wider literacy skills
- ignite a love for books in your learners
- and put the joy back into your teaching.
Rocket Phonics is aligned to Letters and Sounds and provides everything needed to teach a complete SSP programme including fully-decodable reading books, flashcards, assessments, daily lesson plans and display materials. Plus, we provide bespoke CPD training to ensure your school feels confident in delivering the Rocket Phonics programme with ease, confidence and impact.
Join our Online Rocket Phonics Community
Share ideas, ask questions and get help with Reading Planet Rocket Phonics by joining our Facebook Group.
Meet the author
Abigail Steel is an education consultant, trainer and author specialising in English language and literacy. After spending two decades working closely with hundreds of schools and teachers in the UK and across the globe, Abigail knows what truly drives positive outcomes for children. Often described as inspirational, her approaches to the pedagogies behind teaching and learning are both practical and insightful.
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