A simple, playful phonics programme for children aged 3½–4½
Many parents want to support early reading at home, but are unsure where to start.
- Should children be learning phonics already?
- Are you supposed to teach sounds in a certain order?
- How much should you actually be doing?
The truth is that young children learn best through short, playful moments repeated regularly, not long lessons.
The Gentle First Words Plan is designed to help parents introduce phonics in a calm, enjoyable way that fits naturally into family life.
What the programme includes
The Gentle First Words Plan is an 8-month step-by-step programme designed to build early phonics skills gradually.
Parents receive:
• A clear weekly phonics progression
• Short activities designed for 10-minute daily routines
• Simple games and songs that children enjoy
• Guidance on introducing blending and early reading
• Book and resource suggestions
• Practical tips for keeping phonics relaxed and pressure-free
The activities are designed to feel like playful moments together, not formal teaching.
Who this programme is for
This programme is designed for parents of children aged 3½–4½, particularly those who:
• want to support early reading at home
• prefer a calm and playful approach to phonics
• want clear guidance without complicated teaching methods
• would like simple activities that fit into everyday routines
Many families use the programme in the months before starting Reception.
How the programme works
The programme introduces sounds gradually across 8 months.
Children build confidence through:
• sound recognition
• listening games
• blending simple words
• playful writing and mark-making
Because the activities are short and repeated regularly, children begin to develop phonics skills without pressure or frustration.
Two ways to use the programme
Self-Guided Programme – £29
You receive the full 8-month Gentle First Words Plan as a digital programme, designed to guide you step-by-step through introducing phonics at home.
Rather than receiving everything at once, the programme is delivered in four-week sections. This keeps the approach simple and manageable, allowing families to focus on one stage at a time while children build confidence with the sounds they are learning.
Each section includes:
• Clear weekly guidance
• Short daily activities designed for around 10 minutes
• Playful phonics games and songs
• Suggestions for books and simple resources
• Practical tips to keep learning relaxed and enjoyable
This format helps parents introduce phonics gradually, building strong foundations for early reading without pressure.
Supported Programme – £79
This option includes the full programme plus 8 weeks of WhatsApp support.
Rather than receiving everything at once, after the first week, the programme is delivered in four-week sections. This keeps the approach simple and manageable, allowing families to focus on one stage at a time while children build confidence with the sounds they are learning.
Each week I send a short check-in message asking a few simple questions about how things are going.
Parents can reply to this with updates or questions, and I respond with guidance and reassurance where helpful. Parents are also welcome to ask questions between check-ins if something comes up.
Many families find this helpful in the early weeks while they are getting used to the routine.
About me
I’m a qualified teacher with almost a decade of classroom experience and a parent myself.
I created this programme after seeing how powerful short, playful phonics moments can be when children are introduced to sounds in a calm and supportive way.
The approach is the same one I am currently using at home with my own daughter.
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If you’d like to learn more about the programme, feel free to get in touch.
You can contact me here: