5 Small Shifts That Make Phonics Instruction More Powerful

Phonics instruction doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, sometimes it’s the small shifts in how we teach that make the biggest difference for students. Here are five practical tips you can implement right away to strengthen your phonics lessons:

1. Always Connect Sound to Print

Phonemic awareness is powerful, but when it lives only in the “oral only” world, kids can struggle to bridge the gap to reading. By pairing sounds with letters as often as possible, you help students link what they hear to what they see-building those essential sound-symbol connections.

2. Use Word Chaining

Word chaining is one of the most efficient, no-prep ways to maximize practice. Start with one CVC word, then change just one sound at a time. For example: map → mat → pat → pit → sit. This practice builds flexibility and deepens understanding of how sounds and letters work together.

3. Blend CVCs Early

Even if students are still mastering their letter-sound knowledge, it’s important to introduce blending with CVC words early. Practice sliding the sounds together-slowly at first, then more fluently. Students gain confidence when they see how quickly their letter knowledge can turn into real reading.

4. Anchor Sounds with Visuals

Kids benefit from multiple entry points to learning. Articulation pictures, keyword cards, or even mouth shape visuals give students extra support in remembering and producing sounds. These visuals make abstract sounds concrete and accessible.

5. Keep Routines Consistent, But Vary the Words

Predictable routines help students focus on the new skill instead of the structure of the lesson. Once you establish a flow (review → blending → practice → application), keep it consistent. The novelty should come from the words, not the format.

Final Thought
You don’t need to overhaul your instruction to see results. These small, intentional shifts can transform your phonics block into a more powerful and effective experience for your students.