Phase 2 phonics

Welcome to our phase 2 phonics resource collection. Here you'll find classroom-tested resources to help children master these essential early sounds – whether you're new to teaching phonics or simply refreshing your approach.

Phase 2 phonics and the National Curriculum

According to the National Curriculum, phase 2 phonics typically begins in Reception (ages 4-5). During this phase, children should learn 19 letters of the alphabet and one sound for each, along with simple blending for reading and segmenting for spelling. Teachers should focus on helping pupils move from oral blending and segmenting to blending and segmenting with letters.

Get inspired by our 15 creative ideas for teaching phonics in reception.

What are the phase 2 phonic sounds in order?

The phase 2 sounds are taught in five sets. For each set, we have a handy practice booklet available to download as a free PDF!

• Set 1: s, a, t, p – Set 1 letters and sounds
• Set 2: i, n, m, d – Set 2 letters and sounds
• Set 3: g, o, c, k – Set 3 letters and sounds
• Set 4: ck, e, u, r – Set 4 letters and sounds
• Set 5: h, b, f, ff, l, ll, ss – Set 5 letters and sounds

How are letters introduced in phase 2?

Letters can be introduced at a pace of about four per week, with each letter taught through a multi-sensory approach. Make use of songs, actions and physical activities to help children remember each sound. The focus is on teaching the sound that each letter makes rather than its name.

Check out these creative teaching ideas, perfect for teaching phase 2 phonics.

What are blending and segmentation in phase 2?

Blending and segmentation are core skills taught in phase 2:

• Blending involves merging individual sounds together to read words (e.g., c-a-t becomes 'cat'). Practice with our blending letters activity sheets and word-building game.
• Segmentation is breaking words down into individual sounds for spelling (e.g., 'dog' becomes d-o-g). Try our phonics spinner game for interactive practice.

What are VC and CVC words?

In phase 2, children begin reading and writing simple word structures:

• VC words have a vowel then a consonant (e.g., 'in', 'at', 'up')
• CVC words have a consonant, then a vowel, then a consonant (e.g., 'cat', 'dog', 'pin')

To help children master CVC words, try these engaging resources:

• CVC word search
• CVC flashcards
• Making CVC words activity pack

Which tricky words are taught in phase 2?

Phase 2 introduces five common tricky words that can't be sounded out phonetically. For helpful resources, including spelling lists and activities for targeting tricky words, try our Spelling word lists – phase 2 and Letters and sounds – phase 2. The tricky words for phase 2 phonics are:

• the
• to
• no
• go
• I

How are two-syllable words approached in phase 2?

While the main focus is on single-syllable words, some simple two-syllable words may be introduced towards the end of phase 2. These are usually compound words or those with clear syllable breaks, such as 'sitting' or 'rabbit'. Encourage children to break these words into chunks to make them more manageable.

More phonics teaching resources

Explore our complete collection of phonics teaching resources or head to our collections for phase 3, phase 4 and phase 5. For broader phonics teaching strategies, see our general phonics resources, or get started with our popular A flying start to phonics teaching pack.