As part of the 'Read, Write, Inc' phonics programme each sound has a saying to help us remember the correct sound i.e. mmmmmountain; sssssssssnake (indicated in blue below) and a saying to help us remember how to form the letters correctly i.e. Maisie, mountain, mountain; slither down the snake (indicated in italics below).

The short vowels should be kept short and sharp

a - a-a-a apple (open mouth wide as if to take a bite of an apple) - Round the apple and down the leaf

e - e-e-e egg (release mouth slightly from a position) - Chop off the top and scoop out the egg

i - i-i-i insect (make a sharp sound at the back of the throat - smile) - Down the body and a dot for the head

o - o-o-o orange (push out lips, make the mouth into o shape) - All around the orange

u: u-u-u umbrella (make a sound in the throat) - Down and under, up to the top and draw the puddle

The long vowel sounds are all stretchy sounds. 

ay: ay, may I play?

ee: ee, what do you see?

igh: fly high

ow: blow the snow

oo: poo at the zoo

oo: look at a book

ar: start the car

or: shut the door

air: that's not fair

ir: whirl and twirl

ou: shout it out

oy: toy for a boy

Please do not hesitate to ask any of our friendly team if you have any questions or would like some help!