Online games and apps
FunBrain Jr.
Online games for letter recognition and matching. Also available as app.
Kiddopia
App for preschool children that teaches letters, sounds and words.
Starfall – Learn to Read
A selection of games that focus on letter sounds and vowel concepts, including the ‘long A’, ‘silent E’ and ‘vowel teams’.
Letters and Sounds
Free phonics resources for parents and teachers, including printable letter and word cards, games to play at home and links to online activities.
ICT Phonics and Spelling Games
A number of games where children use phonics to spell simple words. Includes ‘Forest Phonics’, ‘Viking Full Circle’ and ‘Phonics Pop’. Instructions are written so children may need help to work out how to play.
Learning Planet
An animated game designed to help teach children the order of the alphabet.
Nessy Apps
($)
A range of apps teaching letter-sound correspondences and sight words.
Reading Doctor
($)
A range of apps designed by reading specialist speech pathologist to develop a range of skills including letter sounds, blending and decoding.
First Letters and Phonics
(Lite and $)
Can choose to use letter sounds or letter names. Activities are basic. No clear sequence.
Sounds Write Initial Code
Good structure and sequence. Moves to word reading quickly. Good instructions for activities.
Little Finder ABC
(Free)
Letter name recognition not letter sounds. Font is unusual. No instruction or corrective feedback. Child can play alone or with a partner.
Montessori Letter Sounds
($)
Simple to use. Good instructions for activities. Takes a while to get to blending and word reading.
Oz Phonics
Practice of phonological and phonemic skills.
Phonics Hero
($)
No instructional content, just practice. No corrective feedback. Good scope and sequence. Engaging narrative.
Starfall Learn to Read
Teaches all common letter sounds and digraphs with an introductory video, simple stories using the letters, and games to practice. Has other interesting content including art, poetry and music.
Bob Books #1 – Reading Magic
No single letter instruction or activities. Goes straight into word building and matching. Simple to use. Good for decodable reading and spelling practice.
