Trainer Guide

Phonics Trainer Overview

The Phonics Trainer helps your child decode words through real word interaction. Kids click letters to hear sounds, use the slider to blend them, and tap the word to hear it read aloud. The guide below gives step-by-step instructions and includes a video of Lotty using the tool.

Watch Lotty use the Phonics Trainer

See Lotty in action as she uses the Phonics Trainer. Watching her work through words can help kids know what to do and give parents a better idea of how it works.

Step by Step Guide

1. Choose a Phonics Trainer tool

Select the tool that matches your child’s current skill level. Many kids start with 2-letter blends (in picture) before moving to CVC words, digraphs, and other patterns.

2. Let your child try first

Encourage your child to look closely at the word or blend on the screen and try to read it on their own first. Give them a moment to think about the sounds and see if they can work it out before you step in to help.

3. Show them how to use the tool

Step 1 Tap

Tap each letter or digraph to hear its sound.

Step 2 Blend

Try putting the sounds of each letter together as you slide your finger across the bar.

Step 3 Read

Try saying the word on your own, then tap the speaker button to hear it and see if you were right.

4. Talk about the sounds

Show your child how to blend by doing it yourself. Say each sound slowly, then repeat them a little faster so the sounds run together with no gaps. Keep going until you say the whole word smoothly. It’s even more effective if you do this while moving the tool slider, saying the sounds as the letters light up. Let your child hear exactly how you put the sounds together so they can copy you.

5. Practice more words

Stay in the same tool until your child is confident with the pattern. Have them try several words in a row, repeating the process of sounding out, blending, and saying the whole word. This extra practice helps the pattern stick and builds speed over time.

6. Celebrate effort

If your child blends their first word, make it a big deal. Your excitement will motivate them to keep going. Continue to praise persistence and progress, even for small wins.

When your child can read all the words in a tool, they can complete the matching Badge Challenge printable to earn a badge for their Badge Book. After that, they can move on to the next tool at their level.

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