Phonics Phase 2: Set 1 Letters
To introduce Phase 2 Set 1 letters (s, a, t, p) through systematic phonics teaching.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Recognises s, a, t, p on sight
- Says correct sound for each letter
- Blends s-a-t to read 'sat'
- Writes recognisable s, a, t, p
Materials
- Letter flashcards (s, a, t, p)
- Sand trays
- Magnetic letters
- Decodable words cards
Instructions
Introduce one letter per day in a focused five-minute session. 'Today's sound is 'sss'. Listen: sssss. Like a snake! Sssss. Can you say it? Sssss!'
Show the grapheme: 'This is what 'sss' looks like when we write it. S. It's curvy like a snake!' Trace the letter in the air together, on each other's backs, in sand.
Connect to known words: 'Sss — Sam! Sam starts with 'sss'. And sun — sss-un! And socks — sss-ocks!' Finding the sound in real words makes it meaningful.
After introducing all four letters, begin blending: 'Let's put sounds together. S-A-T. What word is that? Sat! I sat down. S-A-T says sat!'
Practice daily. Five minutes of focused phonics practice every day is more effective than longer weekly sessions. Consistency is everything in phonics.
Use actions for each sound (Jolly Phonics or similar): 's' = weave hand like a snake, 'a' = pretend ants crawling up arm. Physical actions create memory hooks.