Learning to read and write English from the beginning

These materials are for complete beginners who are learning to read and write English, including learners who are unfamiliar with the English alphabet.

The materials are organised into three stages: handwriting, basic reading, and basic spelling & phonology. Teachers can also find guidance and resources.

Start here

1. Basic Handwriting

Begin with letters and gradually progress to words, sentences and everyday language.

You can work through the handwriting exercises in order.

Start with Handwriting 01: letters a–g →

What comes next

Handwriting

Continue with the handwriting exercises after Handwriting 01.

Handwriting 01: letters a–g Handwriting 02: letters h–n Handwriting 03: letters o–u Handwriting 04: letters v–z and short words Handwriting 05: short words and minimal pairs Handwriting 06: sentences about the learner's host family Handwriting 07: telling the time Handwriting 08: dates and time

Basic Reading

Move on to recognising letters, words and sound–spelling relationships.

Reading 09: upper- and lower-case letters Reading 10: further letter-linking exercises Reading 11: letters with the same sound Reading 12: visual discrimination Reading 13: visual discrimination Reading 14: transcribing upper- and lower-case letters Reading 15: number symbols and words

Spelling & Phonology

Practise basic spelling patterns and English sounds.

Spelling & Phonology 16: plural endings Spelling & Phonology 17: vowel spelling patterns

For teachers

Teacher guidance and resources for using the literacy materials.

Monitoring handwriting sessions Teaching reading Handwriting books Handwriting practice template

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