What is Synthetic Phonics? Definition, Examples & Teaching Guide
Helping a child learn to read is one of the most valuable skills you can give them. Synthetic phonics is widely recognised as one of the most effective approaches for doing exactly that.
This approach is supported by years of research and is now a key part of early literacy teaching in many New Zealand primary schools. By understanding how synthetic phonics works, you can give students the tools to read more confidently and develop strong literacy skills from the start.
But what exactly is synthetic phonics? How does it compare with other reading approaches? And what does it look like in practice in a New Zealand classroom?
Let’s explore each of these questions in detail.
Key Takeaways
- Synthetic phonics teaches reading by learning individual sounds and blending them to form complete words.
- In a systematic program, sounds are introduced in a planned order, making learning more straightforward.
- When taught consistently, synthetic phonics improves accuracy, fluency, and spelling for young readers.
Table of Contents
- What Is Systematic Synthetic Phonics?
- Key Phonics Terminology
- How Does Synthetic Phonics Differ From Other Teaching Methods?
- Examples of Synthetic Phonics
- How To Use Synthetic Phonics In The Classroom
- Synthetic Phonics Trends
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
What Is Systematic Synthetic Phonics?
Systematic synthetic phonics teaches reading by starting with the smallest sounds in spoken language, known as phonemes, and showing learners how to blend these sounds together to form words they can read.
The “synthetic” part refers to building words from individual sounds rather than memorising whole words. The “systematic” part means teaching sounds in a set order, moving from the simplest and most common to more complex patterns.
Think of it as providing a clear, logical pathway to reading. Students don’t guess words from pictures or context — they apply sound knowledge step-by-step, building confidence and independence as they go.
Key Phonics Terminology
The language of phonics can be unfamiliar at first. Here’s a guide to common terms you will hear in a synthetic phonics program.
- Phonemic Awareness: The ability to hear and work with the separate sounds in spoken words, without involving written letters.
- Phoneme: A single sound in a word. For example, the word cat has three phonemes: /c/, /a/, /t/.
- Grapheme: The written letter or letters that represent a sound. For example, the /ee/ sound in tree is written as “ee.”
- Phoneme–Grapheme Correspondence: The match between a sound and the letter(s) used to represent it.
- Digraph: Two letters that combine to make one sound, such as “ch” in chip.
- Trigraph: Three letters that represent one sound, such as “igh” in night.
- CVC Word: A word with a consonant–vowel–consonant pattern, such as dog or map.
- Decodable: A word that can be sounded out using only the phonics knowledge a learner has been taught so far.
- Decoding: Reading a word by identifying each sound and blending them together.
- Encoding: Spelling a word by choosing the letters that match each sound.
How Does Synthetic Phonics Differ From Other Teaching Methods?
Reading can be taught in different ways, with synthetic phonics, analytic phonics, and whole language being the most common approaches.
Whole language teaches students to recognise whole words by sight and use pictures or surrounding text to guess unfamiliar words. While this can support comprehension, it often relies on memory instead of understanding letter–sound relationships.
Analytic phonics begins with whole words, breaking them down into parts to highlight the sounds within. For example, showing the word cat and pointing out the /c/, /a/, and /t/ sounds. This can be less effective for beginners who cannot yet read the word in the first place.
Synthetic phonics takes the opposite approach — teaching the sounds first and then blending them to form words. Because it starts with the smallest sound units, students can decode unfamiliar words confidently without guessing.
Examples of Synthetic Phonics
Synthetic phonics can be delivered in various ways, but all share the same goal: learning sounds and blending them to read words. Here are some examples of activities often used in New Zealand classrooms.
Introducing a new sound: Presenting a sound (phoneme) and its letter(s) (grapheme), such as teaching /sh/ and showing it written as “sh.”
Blending practice: Combining separate sounds to make a word, for example /s/ + /u/ + /n/ to form sun.
Segmenting for spelling: Breaking a word into its sounds and writing the matching letters, such as hearing ship and identifying “sh” + “i” + “p.”
Reading decodable texts: Using books made up of words students can sound out based on what they have learned so far, giving them early reading success.
Multi-sensory activities: Reinforcing learning through movement, songs, games, or tactile resources to keep lessons engaging and memorable.
How To Use Synthetic Phonics In The Classroom
Jumping straight into every sound can overwhelm learners. A well-planned approach is structured, clear, and manageable, building skills steadily over time.
- Plan the order of sounds to be introduced.
- Model blending and segmenting often.
- Provide opportunities for reading and spelling practice.
- Choose resources and activities that support your sequence.
- Review learning and track progress regularly.
Begin with a clear sequence
Start with simple, high-frequency sounds like /s/, /a/, /t/, /p/, /i/, /n/ before moving on to digraphs and trigraphs. This allows learners to begin blending early.
Model the process daily
Demonstrate how to blend sounds into words and how to segment words into sounds for spelling. Verbalise your thinking so students can follow your reasoning.
Use decodable readers
Choose books that only use sounds students have been taught, supporting independent reading without guessing.
Integrate writing
Include short writing tasks to reinforce phoneme–grapheme connections and build spelling confidence alongside reading skills.
Review frequently
Revisit previously taught sounds and patterns to ensure knowledge sticks. Quick games or oral reviews can make this enjoyable.
Assess regularly
Check progress through simple assessments and adjust teaching to address gaps.
Keep lessons engaging
Incorporate actions, songs, and hands-on materials to make phonics learning enjoyable for young students.
Synthetic Phonics Trends
Synthetic phonics is now a central feature of early literacy instruction in many New Zealand schools. While the core principles remain the same, the tools and strategies used to deliver it are evolving.
Phonics checks for early identification
More schools are using early assessments, such as phonics checks, to identify reading challenges and target support sooner.
Connection to the Science of Reading
Synthetic phonics is being linked more closely to evidence-based literacy practices, incorporating skills like phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Digital and blended resources
Interactive digital tools, eBooks, and at-home practice platforms are making it easier to provide personalised learning and keep students engaged beyond the classroom.
Professional development for teachers
Ongoing training is helping educators deliver phonics more effectively and consistently, with a focus on practical classroom strategies and data-driven decision making.
FAQs
Is synthetic phonics just for Year 1 students?
No. While it is most effective for beginning readers, it can also be used to support older students who need help with decoding skills.
How long does it take to teach synthetic phonics?
Most structured programs aim to cover the core sounds within about two years, although some learners may progress faster or slower.
Can synthetic phonics be used with other reading approaches?
Yes, as long as those approaches support sound-based decoding rather than guessing words from pictures or context clues.
How is it different from analytic phonics?
Synthetic phonics starts with sounds and builds up to words, while analytic phonics begins with whole words and breaks them down into sounds.
Do I need special books?
Yes. Decodable readers are essential for early success, as they allow students to apply the sounds they have already learned.
Is synthetic phonics part of the NZ Curriculum?
While the NZ Curriculum does not mandate one specific method, synthetic phonics is increasingly being adopted in schools as part of structured literacy initiatives.
Final Thoughts
Synthetic phonics is a proven, evidence-based approach to teaching reading. When taught in a structured, consistent way, it helps students develop strong decoding skills and sets them up for success in all areas of literacy.
If you are introducing it for the first time, start with the basics, follow a clear sequence, and build in frequent review and practice. If you already use synthetic phonics, keep challenging learners with new sounds, vocabulary, and reading materials.
Incorporating synthetic phonics into a broader literacy plan that includes comprehension, fluency, and enjoyment of reading will give students the best chance of becoming confident, capable readers.
— Happy Reading!
