The Complete Phonics Roadmap: Every Skill in Order (Pre-K Through Grade 3)
One of the most confusing things about teaching phonics is knowing what to teach, when. The sequence matters enormously — teaching long vowels before short vowels, or digraphs before blends, creates confusion. This roadmap follows the Science of Reading consensus. Work through skills in order, don’t skip ahead, and review constantly. Phase 0: Pre-Literacy Foundations (Ages 3–4) Enjoys being read to, asks for books Can retell a simple story in sequence Rhyme recognition: “cat” and “hat” rhyme Can supply a rhyming word Can clap syllables (but-ter-fly = 3 claps) Can identify first sound of familiar words Key activities: Rhyming games, syllable clapping, read-alouds. ...