What comes Before Phonics?
Your child doesn't need to learn letter sounds until they have built the right skills to know what to do with them.
Not sure what your child needs yet? Get the free Before Phonics checklist.
Sounds first. Letters later.
Learning to read doesn't start with letter sounds. Before children learn letters, they need opportunities to listen, talk, notice, remember, and play with sound.
Listening
Can they notice sounds around them?
Language
Are they building a wide vocabulary and understanding?
Sound play
Can they hear and play with rhymes, syllables and sounds?
Memory & Attention
Can they listen, remember and respond?
Make sure your preschooler has the foundations they need for reading before you worry about learning letter sounds.
SHOW ME HOW
Before Phonics
Before Phonics is the only programme out there made specifically for parents who want to help their child master the most important part of learning to read.
Inside you'll learn:
- the key skills your child needs before phonics
- how to recognise what they're already able to do
- simple games to develop each skill
- how to practise them naturally during everyday life
- what to do next as your child's skills develop
â Plus a toolkit of milestones to look out for and 60+ games to slot into your day-to-day.
I NEED THIS
"All parents of preschool children need this! I'm shocked at how easy all of the activities are to fit in every day life without any setup or cost. I was a little unsure on what to do, but now I feel more confident in approaching phase 1 phonics!"
"Having Del explain phase 1 phonics is like having a cuppa with your friend. Completely non-judgmental and super friendly.
It's a relief to finally find a parenting resource that doesn't portray parenting as a walk in the park and talks about parenting warts and all.
Thanks, Del, for being a friendly voice on the other end of the podcast."
"I needed this. My son is not ready for letters, and he's starting school in September. Every time I looked on TikTok or Instagram, I was made to feel like he is so behind. It was a relief to learn he is actually right where he needs to be, and now I understand what to help him with."
Hi, Iâm Del.
Early Literacy Specialist, SENCo, and mum to a small tornado who tests every theory I have đ
I spent over a decade teaching little ones to read before I had one of my own, and that's when I realised how much is left out of the information and resources online for parents.
Through The Little Reading Nest, I help busy mums of pre-schoolers not only understand, but also master the stage Before Phonics.
READ MY STORYThe Phonics Pathway
Support your childâs early reading and phonics without adding anything else to your to-do list
Learn the key skills to support your child with in every phase of phonics, and 50 no-prep games to cherry-pick from on busy days.
Your information is safe, and I will only send you nice things.