Errington House

10/07/2025

🌍 Embrace a greener lifestyle and discover eco-friendly habits that make a big difference. From reducing plastic use to conserving water, learn how small changes can have a significant impact on our planet. 🌿 Check it out here: https://wix.to/gOMMGeI

In an age where climate change and environmental concerns dominate global discussions, adopting sustainable habits has never been more critical. Transitioning towards a greener lifestyle not only benefits the planet but also enhances our quality of life. This blog post will explore various eco-frien...

01/01/2025

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 🥳

30/12/2024

Are you keeping your phonics lessons exciting? 🤗

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03/12/2024

"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader." ✨

Every book opens the door to new adventures, knowledge, and skills. Teaching children to read isn’t just about letters and sounds - it’s about empowering them to dream big and achieve even bigger! 🌟

Let’s nurture the leaders of tomorrow, one page at a time.

💡 Share this with someone inspiring little readers today, and follow us for tips, activities, and resources to make learning to read joyful and impactful.

02/12/2024

Mastering Sight Words Made Simple!

Sight words are the key to unlocking reading fluency, and teaching them can be engaging and fun! 🌟 Here are some tried-and-true techniques to teach sight words effectively:

👉 Multi-sensory Activities: Tracing, tapping, or building sight words helps kids learn through touch and movement.
👉 Repetition & Practice: Daily practice with flashcards or word games solidifies recognition.
👉 Contextual Learning: Reading books or creating sentences with sight words makes them stick.

💡 Why these methods work: Engaging multiple senses boosts retention, while repetition builds confidence. Seeing sight words in context helps children connect meaning with their reading.

✨ Save this post for your next lesson and explore fun, free activities on our page to get started.

29/11/2024

✨ Tricky Words vs. Sight Words: A Quick Guide for Parents & Teachers ✨

Ever wonder what the difference is between tricky words and sight words?
Here’s the scoop:

🌟 Tricky Words: These can’t be sounded out because they don’t follow regular phonics rules. Think words like to, no, go, the.

🌟 Sight Words: These are common words children recognise instantly - some follow phonics rules, and some don’t! Examples: can, see, run.

💡 Both are essential for early reading success!

Turn learning into fun: try word hunts, flashcards, or silly sentences to practise tricky and sight words with your little ones. 🎉

👉 Share this with a fellow parent or teacher who’s helping a child learn to read! Drop your favorite tips in the comments. 👇

28/11/2024

✨ “Every little step counts in the journey of learning.” 🌟

We believe every sound, story, and small effort paves the way for big achievements. Together, let's celebrate the little steps that lead to lifelong learning. 🌱📖

💬 What little steps are you proud of today? Share your journey with us in the comments! 💛

22/11/2024

Is Your Child Ready to Start Phonics? 🌟

Recognising when your little one is ready to start phonics is an exciting milestone! Early reading skills open the door to a world of discovery, confidence, and creativity. But how can you tell if they’re ready?

Swipe through to learn about the 5 key signs that your child is prepared to embark on their phonics journey.

💡 Why Phonics is Key:
Phonics helps children connect sounds with letters, allowing them to decode words and build strong reading skills. It’s an essential step in creating confident, happy readers!

✨ What You’ll Get:
Each sign comes with simple tips and fun activities you can use at home to encourage your child’s growth. Whether they’re recognising letters, enjoying rhymes, or scribbling their first words, you’ll know exactly how to support them.

👩‍🏫 Ready to Take the Next Step?
Visit www.erringtonhouse.co.uk/footstep-phonics for free resources, expert advice, and a curriculum designed to make phonics fun and engaging.

📖 We’d Love to Hear From You!
Does your child show any of these signs? Let us know in the comments, or share your favourite phonics activities with us!

18/11/2024

Think you know everything about phonics? Let’s bust a common myth!

🧐 MYTH: Phonics is only for beginners.
✅ TRUTH: Phonics is essential for all stages of reading development, helping children with comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary!

Phonics isn’t just for young readers – it’s a vital skill for lifelong literacy.
Have you heard any other phonics myths? Let’s debunk them together in the comments!👇

15/11/2024

Friday Phonics Tip! 📚

Is your child starting to recognise rhyming words?
It’s a fun and powerful way to build reading skills! 🌟

Phonics Tip: Try using rhyming words to teach your child about word patterns. For example, try words like "cat" and "hat", or "dog" and "log" - notice how the ending sounds stay the same! 🐾

When kids learn to identify and play with rhymes, they’re also learning to manipulate sounds in words, which is a big step toward reading! 🎉

Pro Tip: Make it a game! Challenge your child to come up with as many rhyming words as they can. You can even turn it into a fun activity with toys or drawings. 🎨

🔑 Want more tips to make phonics fun? Follow us for expert advice and resources to help your child become a confident reader with FootStep Phonics!

Need help getting started? Send us a message or drop a comment below, and we’ll share some easy phonics activities to try at home! 👇

02/08/2024

The 3 Pros and Cons of Technology Use During Phonics Lessons 📚💻

In today’s digital age, technology has become an integral part of education, including phonics instruction. As educators explore innovative ways to enhance learning, the use of technology in teaching phonics has sparked considerable debate. This article will delve into the pros and cons of incorporating technology into phonics lessons, helping educators make informed decisions about their teaching strategies.

The Pros of Using Technology in Phonics Lessons 🌟

1)Engagement and Motivation 🎮

Interactive Learning: Technology can transform traditional phonics lessons into interactive experiences. Apps and online games designed for phonics practice engage students more effectively than conventional methods, making learning fun and motivating.

Visual Aids: Many educational technologies provide visual and auditory supports that cater to different learning styles. This can help students better understand sound-letter relationships, such as digraphs and diphthongs.

2) Personalised Learning 🎯

Customised Instruction: Technology allows for tailored learning experiences. Students can progress at their own pace, focusing on specific areas of improvement. This individualised approach can be particularly beneficial for students with varying levels of phonics knowledge.

Immediate Feedback: Many phonics apps offer instant feedback, enabling students to recognise and correct their mistakes in real time. This immediate reinforcement can enhance learning outcomes and boost confidence.

3) Accessibility and Resources 🌐

Wide Range of Resources: The internet is filled with diverse phonics resources, from videos to interactive games. This abundance allows teachers to choose materials that best fit their student's needs and interests.

Supplementary Learning: Technology can serve as a valuable supplement to traditional phonics instruction, providing additional practice opportunities outside the classroom.

The Cons of Using Technology in Phonics Lessons ⚠️

1) Distraction and Overreliance 📱

Potential for Distraction: While technology can enhance learning, it can also lead to distractions. Students may become more focused on the device than on the lesson itself, which can hinder their learning experience.

Overreliance on Technology: There is a risk that educators may rely too heavily on technology, neglecting essential hands-on teaching methods that are crucial for developing phonics skills. A balanced approach is necessary to ensure comprehensive literacy development.

2) Equality and Access Issues ⚖️

Digital Divide: Not all students have equal access to technology. Disparities in access can create inequalities in learning opportunities, particularly for students from low-income families or underserved communities.

Inconsistent Quality: The quality of phonics apps and online resources can vary significantly. Some may not be evidence-based or aligned with effective phonics instruction, leading to ineffective learning experiences.

3) Teacher Training and Preparedness 👩‍🏫

Need for Professional Development: Teachers must be adequately trained to integrate technology effectively into their phonics lessons. Without proper training, they may struggle to use technology in ways that enhance learning rather than detract from it.

Balancing Traditional Methods: Educators need to find a balance between using technology and traditional phonics instruction. Overemphasis on technology can undermine the foundational skills that students need to develop through direct instruction and practice.

Conclusion 📝
The integration of technology into phonics lessons presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. While technology can enhance engagement, provide personalised learning experiences, and offer a wealth of resources, it is essential to remain mindful of potential distractions, equality issues, and the need for teacher training.

To maximise the benefits of technology in phonics instruction, educators should strive for a balanced approach that combines effective technological tools with traditional teaching methods. By doing so, they can create a rich learning environment that supports all students in developing strong phonics skills and a love for reading. ❤️📖

Are you an educator looking to enhance your phonics instruction?
Explore how we can elevate your lessons at www.erringtonhouse.co.uk/footstep-phonics or contact us at [email protected].

26/07/2024

International Friendship Day is just around the corner! 🎉 Are you ready to celebrate the special bonds in your life?

As a special treat, the team at FootStep Phonics has created a fun and engaging Friendship Word Search just for you! 🔍 This printable activity is the perfect way to get your little ones excited about the joy of friendship.



Want some more free activities to try?
Head over to our website to discover more: https://www.erringtonhouse.co.uk/free-phonics-worksheets