Show the Code!

Showing the code—the graphemes and their corresponding sound values—makes learning phonics easier because it removes the need for children to rely on a fixed scope and sequence. Instead of memorising a limited set of grapheme-phoneme correspondences in a predetermined order, children can see the full range of possibilities and make sense of words in real time.

By visually mapping all possible correspondences, children develop pattern recognition skills, making reading and spelling more intuitive. This approach also supports self-teaching, as learners can independently decode words they haven't explicitly been taught. It prevents instructional casualties by ensuring that every child has access to the full phonetic code, rather than being constrained by what has been covered in a synthetic phonics programme.

Additionally, for children who struggle with phonemic awareness, seeing both the graphemes and their sound values reduces cognitive load, reinforcing phoneme-grapheme connections without requiring them to infer missing patterns. This approach aligns with how skilled readers map words naturally, supporting literacy development beyond the limitations of traditional phonics instruction.