Ages 3-4
Create a firm foundation for literacy with a fun introductory phonics programme based on Phases 1–2 of Letters and Sounds.
Sign in for a more personalised experience
Unlock a more personalised experience to discover special offers, suggested products and more!
Sign inDon’t have an account? Click to sign up today!
First Steps
Create a firm foundation for literacy with a fun introductory phonics programme based on Phases 1–2 of Letters and Sounds.
The first step in the the Rocket Phonics journey, for pupils aged 3-4.
- 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.
Introduction from 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.
Resources for every teaching and learning style
A typical week
Online subscription
Print resources
CPD
One letter-sound is introduced each week. The Teaching and Learning Cycle is followed throughout the week to allow flexibility with young learners.
| Day 1 | Revisit and review previously taught sounds using flashcards and the Big Book story. |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Teach new sounds and letter shapes using new flashcards and fun ditties and actions. Share the next part of the Big Book story. |
| Day 3 | Practise new sounds and build fine motor skills by exploring the Activity Booklet activity together. |
| Day 4 | Apply new skills through flashcard activities and ditties. Support learners to say the sounds and pictures in the Activity Booklet. |
| Day 5 | Enrichment through continuous provision activities such as whole-class guided reading using the Lilac and Lilac+ reading books, speech rhythm activities and nursery rhymes. |
Evidencing 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.
What teachers are saying...
I am a Nursery Teacher at The Forest Academy and last year I was lucky enough to trial the new Nursery (First Steps) phonics scheme. Following the FS2 baseline assessments I have been informed it is evident who did phonics with me last year. It has also been commented on that their behaviours for learning are much better too. The whole exposure without expectation has greatly impacted their learning!
Jen White, Class Teacher The Forest Academy, LeedsWe are absolutely loving the nursery phonics materials. The consideration given to including a matching appropriate traditional rhyme with the focus letter sound is not only a fantastic way to ensure a good range of rhymes are learnt across the year, but also adds a different aspect of learning phonics skills. The flashcards are extremely useful and I love the way that they correspond with the Reception set. I am looking forward to seeing the full impact next year.
Rebecca Nelson, Early Years Teacher The Boyle and Petyt School, North YorkshireWe have noticed improvements in speech sounds and the way children produce sounds. The children are more confident in talking and the children can remember and enjoy playing with sounds. I would recommend the resource as it gives structure and purpose to build skills before the more formal learning of phonics teaching.
Helen Kingdon, Vice Principal Victoria Primary AcademyWe are loving it in our Nursery. We really like the way it is accessible to all children whatever their ability. Some children are learning their speech sounds through the scheme whilst others are reading and writing the graphemes.
Laura Foley, EYFS Teacher Woodlands Primary, MerseysideThe children love the interactive Big Book. They love looking at the pictures and lots of talking arises from the details of the pictures. The children are engaged and parents have commented on how they are talking about it at home.
Claire Platt, Nursery Teacher Bradshaw Hall Primary School, Stockport
Of course! Your local Sales Consultant will be able to support you with placing an order. Find their contact details here.
Products in the Series
Fetching results
Hear from us
Curriculum changes. New materials. Price discounts and unmissable offers. We’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing with regular email updates, tailored by subject and age group.