The Sounds-Write Blog
The Cumulative Nature of Sounds-Write: Supporting Progress Towards the Phonics Screen Check
When considering the Phonics Screening Check and the code knowledge that needs to be learned, there can sometimes be an urgency to ‘get through’ the scope and sequence. The beauty of Sounds-Write is that the scope and sequence follow a cumulative nature, meaning you...
PSC: Mid-Year Strategies to Ensure Everyone is On Track
The PSC (Phonics Screening Check) may seem some time away yet but, at Sounds-Write, we recommend that you review what your class has been doing so far to make plans for the months ahead. Let us guide you! In this blog, we’ll explain how you can use the tools we’ve...
Mastering Phonemic Awareness: Your Key to PSC Success
The PSC (Phonics Screening Check) is as much a test of phonemic awareness skills and conceptual understanding as it is of code knowledge. This blog will explore why it is so important that these skills are practised to automaticity and what you can do to ensure that...
Phonics Screening Check – top tips for a strong start to the academic year
Whilst the timing of this blog was prompted by the start of the new academic year in the UK, the guidance will be useful to teachers using a Phonics Screening Check anywhere around the world. Welcome to the start of another new academic year! Whilst the PSC (Phonics...
Improving reading and spelling with Sounds-Write: the view from Victoria, Australia
A new era for state schools in Victoria, Australia In Victoria, Australia, the science of reading is gaining recognition as a crucial element in improving literacy outcomes for students. Phonics in particular, has been identified as a fundamental skill that forms the...
The Phonics Screening Check 2024: Our Analysis
CEO, John Walker, reflects on the history and purpose of the phonics screening check and shares his advice for educators looking to support their students going forward. Twelve years on and after much initial opposition, English schools have just run the latest...
PSC… Now what?
What can we learn from the Phonics Screening Check to inform the next steps for those learners?
Sounds-Write in Schools: Our Visit to Twynyrodyn Community School in Wales
Last week, John Walker and I had the privilege of visiting Twynyrodyn Community School in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, to observe their phonics lessons in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, as well as in an intervention setting. The school motto is ‘Giving our children the best...
What you need to know about training in Sounds-Write in the US and Canada
There’s so much for schools and educators to consider when switching literacy programs. From managing staffing and resources to understanding the financial implications involved. To help you navigate this transition successfully, we’ve put together a comprehensive...
Meet the Sounds-Write team: Naomi
Meet the team! Naomi is our Head of Training and has a wealth of experience in teaching.