“Programs don't teach, teachers do” – Louisa Moats.
The same philosophy can be replied to physical resources. Knowledge is power. The goal of the free Phonics & Beeyond handbook is to equip teachers with the research and evidence-based practices so that you can implement synthetic phonics in your classroom, with or without a specific program or specific resources.
Throughout the handbook, I share various resources and content from my K-2 Phonics Curriculum, as well as resources and content from other creators. This blog post contains links to where I have sourced many physical resources from as well.
Please know that you will not need any of these resources in order to implement the strategies outlined in this handbook. However, I hope that these resources and links will help to save you valuable time!
Phonics Resource Recommendations:
I recommend checking out the following blog posts if you are looking for resources in any of the following categories:
- 30+ Picture Books For Teaching Rhyme
- DIY Phonics Ideas: 12 ways to create your own alphabet manipulatives for phonics lessons
- Best Alphabet Manipulative Resources on Amazon
- Science of Reading Book Recommendations
- Fine Motor & Sensory Tools for Phonics Activities
Below is a list of some other miscellaneous teaching tools and phonics resources which may be helpful in your classroom.
Miscellaneous Phonics Teaching Tools
Magnetic Wands
Dry Erase Write and Wipe Mats
Pocket Chart
Large Post-It Easel Pads
Foam Dice
Jumbo Dice with Clear Inserts
Flash Cards + Envelopes
A little blending trick can be using index cards or flash cards in mini envelopes. Reveal one sound at a time, blending as you go.
These are the envelopes and index cards that I ordered off Amazon for this. The envelopes are approximately 8cm x 11.5cm (3.32 x 4.53 inches), and the index cards are 3 inches x 5 inches.
Wireless Presenter Tools
A wireless presenter tool is, in my opinion, a MUST for phonics instruction in the younger years. You simply put the USB in your Smartboard or computer, and then it frees you up to circulate around the kids as they are writing on their whiteboards.
I use it to flick through my phonics PowerPoints quickly, to help students build up automaticity and speed when recalling phonemes.
I also use the laser to quickly point out an errors on student whiteboards or to draw their attention to something on the Smartboard. I have previously used a Logitech R400 Wireless Presenter, but I do find that the USB computer port is a little fragile. There are lots of options out there – I've linked a couple of other options below. I recommend getting one with a laser light.
Digital Phonics Teaching Tools
Other Recommended Suppliers
I also use physical resources from the following businesses:
