What is Jolly Phonics?

Jolly Phonics is a fun and child centered approach to teaching literacy through synthetic phonics. With actions for each of the 42 letter sounds, the multi sensory method is very motivating for children and teachers, who can see their students achieve. The letter sounds are split into seven groups as shown below.

seven letter sounds

Letter Sound Order

The sounds are taught in a specific order (not alphabetically). This enables children to begin building words as early as possible.

How does Jolly Phonics work?

Using a synthetic phonics approach, Jolly Phonics teaches children the five key skills for reading and writing. Complemented by Jolly Readers and Jolly Grammar, it provides a thorough foundation for teaching literacy over three years in school.

The five skills taught in Jolly Phonics

1.Learning the letter sounds

Children are taught the 42 main letter sounds. This includes alphabet sounds as well as digraphs such as sh, th, ai and ue.

2.Learning letter formation

Using different multi-sensory methods, children learn how to form and write the letters.

3.Blending

Children are taught how to blend the sounds together to read and write new words.

4.Identifying the sounds in words (Segmenting)

Listening for the sounds in words gives children the best start for improving spelling.

5.Tricky words

Tricky words have irregular spellings and children learn these separately.

Make Learning Fun And Easy!

Inky Mouse and her friends, Bee and Snake would like to welcome you to our new look Jolly Learning website, the home of Jolly Phonics, Jolly Grammar and Jolly Music.

Learn about the principles of Jolly Phonics, Jolly Grammar and Jolly Music, and how these child-centred, multi-sensory approaches make learning fun and easy for children all over the world.

Discover our leading educational books and software which are used around the world for the teaching of literacy and music skills to young children in our Products section. Find clear detailed information on all our products, including which items can be used at school or in the home, as well as book previews and demos of our software.

See how key literacy skills can be nurtured at home, with My Jolly Phonics.

Jolly Learning is an independent British publisher, with the commitment of creating and developing educational material to inspire children to learn and be the best they can.