Guide

Everything you need to know to teach the learner to read with Open Phonics. Each lesson takes 5–10 minutes. Aim for one lesson per day, and repeat any lesson the learner finds difficult.

How a Lesson Works

Each lesson has two parts: the Child View (large text the learner reads) and the Teacher Script (instructions for you). You read the script aloud and control the animated pointer to guide the learner through each sound and word.

Every lesson follows the same pattern: review old sounds, introduce a new sound, blend sounds into words, then read the word fast. This repetition builds confidence and mastery.

The Pointer Remote

Move

Animates the red dot across the text. Use this when modeling a sound ("My turn") or testing the learner ("Your turn").

Pause / Resume

Pauses the dot mid-animation to give the learner time to think. Press again to resume.

Reset

Returns the dot to the starting position. Use this before re-testing a sound the learner missed.

Speed

Adjust the slider to slow down or speed up the dot. Start slow for new sounds, faster for review.

Praise & Correction

When They Get It Right

Use the green praise box. Be specific: "You held that mmmmm perfectly!" Specific praise tells the learner exactly what they did well, so they can repeat it.

When They Need Help

Use the red correction box. The pattern is always: Model ("My turn: mmmmm"), then Test ("Your turn"). Click Reset, demonstrate the correct sound, then let them try again. Never move on until they get it right.

Session Tips

  • Keep it short. 5–10 minutes per session. Stop while the learner is still engaged, not after they are frustrated.
  • One lesson per day. Consistency matters more than speed. Daily short sessions beat weekly long ones.
  • Repeat when needed. If the learner struggles with a lesson, repeat it the next day. Mastery before progress.
  • End on success. Always finish with something the learner can do well, even if you need to go back to an earlier step.
  • Make it fun. Celebrate every small win. Reading should feel like an achievement, not a chore.

Keyboard Shortcuts

During lessons, use keyboard shortcuts for faster control. Press ? during any lesson to see the full shortcut reference.

Space or M Move the pointer
P Pause / Resume
R Reset pointer
← → Previous / Next step
1–9 Jump to step
Esc Exit lesson
Start Learning