Phonics Decode and Blend Cards. 

Initial Code Bundle

Set 1 sounds - S, A, T, P, I, N

Set 2 sounds - M, D, G, O, C, K, CK, E, U, R

Set 3 sounds - B , H, F, L, J, V, W, X, Y, Z

Set 4 sounds - SH, CH, TH (voiced), TH (unvoiced), QU, NG, WH, PH, soft g, soft c

Teach young learners to decode and blend sounds using these no - prep cards. Each set is colour coded for differentiation as well as classroom organisation ease.

To use: Ss say and tap each phoneme dot and run their finger along the arrow to blend the phonemes together.

Set includes 488 cards (362 decodable CVC, CVCC, CCVCC, CCVCCC, CVCCVC words and 126 non-sense words). Non-sense words are identified by a wave pattern border.

Set also includes both full colour and black and white versions (tip - print on coloured paper to save colour ink).

Decode and blend cards are valuable tools in phonics instruction, serving several key purposes:

• Decoding Practice: These cards help students practice decoding by breaking down words into individual sounds or phonemes. This reinforces their ability to recognise and apply letter-sound relationships
• Blending Skills: The cards guide students in blending sounds together to form words. This process is crucial for developing fluent reading skills, as it helps students move from recognising individual sounds to reading whole words
• Phonemic Awareness: Using these cards enhances students' phonemic awareness by encouraging them to focus on the sounds within words. This awareness is foundational for both reading and spelling
• Structured Learning: Decode and blend cards provide a structured approach to phonics instruction. They can be used systematically to introduce new phonics concepts and reinforce previously learned skills (spaced practise)
• Engagement: These cards often include engaging activities and visuals that make learning phonics fun and interactive for students. TIP - for enhanced engagement, use cars, counters or play-dough.

Why include non-sense or pseudo-words? Non-sense words, also known as pseudo-words, play a crucial role in phonics instruction for a number of reasons:

• Decoding Skills: Non-sense words help assess a student's ability to decode words using phonics rules. Since these words have no meaning, students can't rely on memorisation or context clues to read them. This ensures they are applying their phonics knowledge to sound out the words.
• Phonemic Awareness: These words force students to focus on individual phonetic sounds within a word, which strengthens their phonemic awareness. This skill is essential for reading and spelling real words
• Assessment Accuracy: Using non-sense words in assessments provides a clear picture of a student's decoding abilities without the influence of context or prior knowledge. This helps teachers identify specific areas where a student may need additional support
• Application of Phonics Skills: Non-sense words can be used to practice and reinforce any phonics skill, making them versatile tools in phonics instruction
• By incorporating non-sense words into phonics instruction and assessments, educators can better understand and support their students' reading development.