Phase 4

As children begin Phase 4, they will be able to recognise and represent the 42 phonemes by grapheme and be able to confidently read and write CVC words and simple two-syllable words. They will also know letter names and be able to read and spell some tricky words.

Pupils in phase 4 will only be taught the ‘wh’ diagraph.

The purpose of Phase 4 is to consolidate knowledge and begin to read words which contain consonant blends at the beginning and end of a word. The purpose of this phase is to consolidate children’s knowledge of graphemes in CVCC and CCVC words.

Following the structure of the phonics scheme, the focus is to be reading words on sight and using decoding skills when they reach an unfamiliar word.

Phase 4a

Phase 4a lasts for 4 weeks and focuses on the word reading of initial blends.

For example; stop, drag, trail

Phase 4b

Phase 4b lasts for 4 weeks and focuses on the word reading of final blends at the end of a word.

For example; hump

Phase 4c

Phase 4c lasts for 2 weeks and focuses on the word reading of initial and final blends in the same word.

For example; think, crisp,