When progressing to more difficult texts, writing begins to replace images and children must rely more on creating their own mental images of what is happening in a story. The more we encourage this skill in the early years, the easier it will be for children to do this independently as they begin to graduate to higher level texts.

Finding fun ways to practise high frequency words is a challenge! By using a tally chart, you can combine literacy and maths practice at the same time.

High frequency or sight words are the words that appear the most often in written text. They need to be practised frequently. Repetition can be dull, so make it a game to keep it fun and interesting. 

Boost reading and spelling skills with CVC word family towers. Use building blocks to make towers of rhyming words and learn to identify common word families.

Using real life objects or toys for practising initial sounds is always a good idea. Children will love hunting for objects that match the initial sounds they are learning. 

This fun and easy letter recognition matching game helps children develop speed and accuracy with identifying letter sounds out of order.