How to Choose the Right Phonics Program for Your School
Choosing a phonics program is one of the most important curriculum decisions a school can make. Get it right, and you set students up for reading success. Get it wrong, and you've wasted thousands of dollars and precious instructional time.
With so many programs available—Jolly Phonics, Letters and Sounds, InitiaLit, Sounds-Write, UFLI, and more—how do you decide?
Here's a practical framework for evaluating phonics programs.
🔍 The Non-Negotiables
Before looking at any specific program, make sure it meets these baseline criteria:
1. Systematic and Explicit
The program should teach phonics in a clear, planned sequence—not incidentally or as needed. Every sound-letter relationship should be explicitly taught, not left for students to discover.
Red flag: Programs that say "teach phonics in context" or "as opportunities arise."
2. Synthetic Approach
Students should be taught to blend sounds together (synthesise) from the very beginning. They shouldn't be encouraged to guess from pictures or context.
Red flag: Programs that include "three-cueing" strategies or encourage guessing.
3. Includes Decodable Texts
Practice materials should contain only the sounds that have been taught. If students are reading words they can't decode, they're guessing—not reading.
Red flag: Using predictable or leveled texts instead of decodables during phonics instruction.
📋 Key Evaluation Criteria
Once you've confirmed the non-negotiables, evaluate programs against these factors:
Scope and Sequence
- Is the order of instruction logical and research-based?
- Does it cover all 44 phonemes and major graphemes?
- Is the pacing appropriate for your student population?
Teacher Training Requirements
- How much training is needed to implement effectively?
- Is ongoing support available?
- Can new staff be trained easily?
Resource Quality
- Are the materials engaging for students?
- Are decodable texts interesting or painfully boring?
- Is there sufficient variety for practice?
Assessment Tools
- Does the program include diagnostic assessments?
- Can you easily track student progress?
- Are there intervention pathways for struggling students?
Cost and Sustainability
- What's the total cost (initial + ongoing)?
- Are consumables required each year?
- What happens if the company changes pricing or discontinues the program?
🇦🇺 Popular Programs in Australian Schools
Here's a quick overview of commonly used programs:
| Program | Approach | Decodables Included | Training Required | |---------|----------|---------------------|-------------------| | InitiaLit | Systematic synthetic | Yes | Moderate | | Sounds-Write | Linguistic phonics | Limited | Extensive | | Letters and Sounds | Systematic synthetic | Separate purchase | Minimal | | Jolly Phonics | Multi-sensory synthetic | Yes | Minimal | | UFLI Foundations | Systematic synthetic | Yes | Moderate |
Note: Each program has strengths and weaknesses. The best choice depends on your school's context, budget, and existing teacher expertise.
💡 A Complementary Approach
Here's something many schools overlook: you don't have to rely on a single program for everything.
Many schools use a core program for instruction but supplement with additional resources for:
- Extra decodable reading practice
- Differentiation for advanced or struggling students
- Homework and home reading materials
This is where tools like PhonicsMaker become valuable. Instead of buying expensive additional decodable sets, you can generate unlimited, customised texts that align with whatever scope and sequence your school uses.
Questions to Ask Vendors
Before purchasing, ask:
- "What research supports this program's effectiveness?"
- "Can I see student outcome data from schools using this?"
- "How does this align with the Australian Curriculum?"
- "What happens if a teacher leaves mid-year—how easy is handover?"
- "What are the ongoing costs after initial purchase?"
Making the Decision
Ultimately, the best phonics program is one that:
- Is grounded in the Science of Reading
- Your teachers will actually implement with fidelity
- You can sustain and support long-term
Take your time, trial where possible, and involve your teaching staff in the decision.