Discover playful literacy and phonics tips, expert advice, and creative learning ideas.
Thoughtfully written for families, carers and educators.

Delivering Early Years training in Kenya provided an opportunity to reflect on the foundations that support children's learning wherever they are in the world. In this blog, I share six universal learning foundations that continue to shape my work with children, families and educators.

Autumn gives children gentle sensory moments that strengthen early reading and writing foundations. Through tracing, tapping, colouring and hands‑on play, children build hand strength, sound awareness and confidence. When these early skills grow steadily, literacy feels lighter and more achievable, especially for children who need a little more support.

Help your child blend with confidence using simple, hands‑on steps. This gentle guide explains how picture–word matching supports early reading and includes a free cut‑and‑stick activity to try at home.

A gentle look at how tiny shifts in vowel sounds can unlock calmer, more confident reading moments at home, using a mapped approach that feels clear and doable for every parent.