Phase 4
Phase 4 is slightly different to the other Phases, as learners are not learning any new sounds.
In Phase 4, no new phonemes are introduced. Instead, children consolidate and apply the graphemes they have already learned in Phases 2 & 3.
The focus is on reading and writing words with adjacent consonants (i.e. consonant clusters) — for example:
• CCVC words (e.g. “frog”)
• CVCC (e.g. “lamp”)
• CCVCC (e.g. “stamp”) and polysyllabic words when appropriate
Children practise segmenting, blending, reading, and spelling those more complex structures fluently.
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Little Wandle Phase 4 Progression |
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Phonics |
Irregular/tricky words |
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Phase 4 - Unit 1 • Practising reading and writing CVCC words (e.g. tent, pond, jump) • Revisit Phase 2 and 3 sounds with blending and segmenting • Introduction to adjacent consonants in final position • Language session |
said, so, do |
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Phase 4 - Unit 2 • Practising reading and writing CCVC words (e.g. stop, plan, trip) • Oral blending and segmenting with beginning blends • Continued focus on fluency and correct letter formation • Language session |
have, like, some, come |
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Phase 4 - Unit 3 • Reading and writing CCVCC and CVCCC words (e.g. stamp, twist) • Word building and spelling using known graphemes • Introduction to longer and compound words • Language session |
were, there, little, one |
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Phase 4 - Unit 4 • Polysyllabic words and reading sentences fluently • Continued blending of complex consonant clusters • Dictation and extended writing using taught words • Language session |
when, out, what, today, says, love |
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Phase 4 - Unit 5 • Consolidation of all adjacent consonant word types (CVCC, CCVC, CCVCC, polysyllabic) • Secure use of tricky words in reading and writing • Preparation for Phase 5 (alternative graphemes) • Language session |
(No new tricky words — review all taught so far) |
