Ages 5–6: Sounds, Sums and Stories
Phonics, counting, and first reading — with play still in charge.
🧭 What parents can do
Practise letter sounds, blend simple words (c-a-t), count real objects, and read together daily. Ten to fifteen minutes at a time.
🪜 Step-by-step
- Play with letter sounds and rhymes
- Blend simple words aloud
- Count and compare real objects
- Read together daily, taking turns
- Encourage drawing and labelling
🏡 Try this activity
The sound hunt: find three things in the room that start with "b".
❓ Questions to ask
- “What sound does it start with?”
- “What happens next?”
- “How many are there?”
- “Which is more?”
⚠️ Common mistakes
Treating these ideas as strict checklists — every child develops at their own rate.
📚 Recommended EduManual lessons
Put it into practice today
One small step beats a perfect plan.