Guide
Segmenting
Teach segmenting with Jolly Phonics guidance, dictation ideas, progression tips and resources for spelling practice.
Segmenting
Identifying Sounds in Words
What is Segmenting?
Watch What is Segmenting? on YouTube
Segmenting
Segmenting is the ability to hear all the sounds in a word and write letters to represent them. This vital writing skill starts right from the beginning in Jolly Phonics and develops over time through daily activities and dictation.
Step 1
Introducing Segmenting
- Start by asking the children to listen for the initial sound in a word and then move on to asking if they can hear all the sounds in a word.
- Start with listening games using picture cards. Point to a picture on a card, or in an illustration in a book, and ask the child to say the sounds in the word for that picture.
- Say the word slowly, enunciating each sound and hold up a finger for each sound.
Step 2
Activities to Support Segmenting
- Call out a word and ask the children to say the sounds in it and hold up a finger for each sound.
- Tap out sounds on the hand or table.
- Use magnetic letters or letter-sound cards to build words.
Step 3
Using Dictation as a Key Step
- Begin with sounds, then move to words, phrases and sentences.
- Only use words containing known letter sounds.
- When choosing words for dictation, at this stage, avoid words with double letters or that have ‹c›, ‹k› or ‹ck› unless you guide them as to which way the /ck/ sound should be written.
Step 4
Progression Tips for Success
- Include tricky words with blends once pupils are ready.
- Link segmenting to reading through blending practice. Segment the word with the children and write it in on the board. Then go back and blend the word to check accuracy. This reinforces the relationship between reading and writing.
Need extra support for struggling pupils?
Resources for Segmenting
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Jolly Phonics Magnetic Letters
Jolly Phonics Magnetic LettersA hands-on resource with lower-case letters in red (consonants) and blue (vowels). Children build and break apart words, strengthening blending and segmenting skills while linking phonics knowledge directly to spelling and reading activities.
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Jolly Phonics Word Bank
Jolly Phonics Word BankA bank of words, phrases and sentences organised by taught sounds. Provides instant ready-made material for class, small-group or one-to-one practice, saving teachers planning time and ensuring pupils only encounter words that match their phonics knowledge.
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Jolly Phonics Picture Flashcards
Jolly Phonics Picture FlashcardsSixty cards showing pictures with sound dots on one side and matching letters and words on the reverse. Great for introducing sounds, playing recognition games and extending vocabulary in a fun interactive way.
Fantastic segmenting resources for all learners!