Create a firm foundation for literacy with our fun, introductory phonics programme…
Reading Planet: Rocket Phonics First Steps is a brand-new phonics programme based on Phases 1–2 of Letters and Sounds and is designed for Nursery/Foundation 1. The programme has an ethos of “exposure over expectation” preparing children for phonics and has recently been shortlisted for a Teach Early Years Award. First Steps is the introductory stage of the Rocket Phonics programme validated by the DfE.
Rocket Phonics First Steps allows teachers to:
● 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
● Supports learners as they 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
The interactive Big Books introduce letter-sounds through engaging original stories which are diverse and inclusive allowing children to see themselves in the books. Teachers read one episode per half-term as a whole class enabling children to immerse themselves in the story.
In addition to the Big Books and Activity Booklets, the programme includes:
● Ready-to-use flashcards (print and digital)
● Ditties and actions for each sound
● Fun games and activities (both online and physical)
● Nursery rhymes and songs
● Teacher’s Guide – including lesson plans, SEND guidance and assessment information
● Reading books for practising emergent blending skills
● CPD videos and training packages to suit all budgets
First Steps has been trialled in primary schools with nursery provision and has been developed in accordance with feedback.
“The taught sessions are very doable in terms of the children remaining engaged. The flashcards are fabulous – we have had some brilliant conversations surrounding the pictures on the back, and there have been lots of opportunities to link it to understanding of the world. The Activity Booklet is brilliant – have been sending it home and more children are engaging with it in comparison to previous home learning.”
“The 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.”
“We are absolutely loving the nursery phonics materials.”
“A structured approach. Good resources that are engaging, colourful and provide multi-sensory learning.”
Find out more in our Rocket Phonics brochure, download free samples or book a discovery call with your local consultant.
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