This is a collection of fun, independent reading activities for readers in key stage one. Each activity uses words that are decodable up to phase 5, so can be completed independently, allowing children to keep practising their reading in fun and enjoyable ways. The resource contains multiple versions of 4 different independent worksheet activities- wordsearches, ‘design a front cover’, ‘read the list and draw the item to match’ and another quick drawing activity . There are also blank sheets for further activites than can be tailored to support reading of specific books. On the last page are further ideas for formal Guided Reading follow up tasks. The download contains powerpoint files, which is the program I use to make the worksheets. These are formatted to A4 and are included so that you can change and adapt the sheets as you see fit. The resource has a contents page, briefly explaining each activity. Each activity uses words that are decodable up to Phase 5 of Letters and Sounds and no further. Some pages are differentiated to use words just to Phase 3 or 4 (noted on contents page). I personally give these activities to independent reading groups during guided reading carousel sessions. I find these activities give children a fun chance to continue practising their reading skills even when not working directly with an adult. Each activity easily takes up a 10-15 minute session, meaning children stay engaged whilst learning and you can focus on your group without interruptions.

This word bank will save time for teachers by giving you lots of words to use quickly and easily. It will improve children’s progress in phase three and four and make teaching phonics easy. Designed to supplement Phase 4 teaching, use these words as a means of continuing regular practise of phase 3 graphemes, during phase 4 lessons. For example, words such as ‘snail’ and ‘cloak’ contain the consonant clusters of phase 4, as well as recent phase 3 digraphs. The words combine Phase 3 digraphs with Phase 4 CCVC, CVCC, CCVCC word structure in order for children to continue practising reading and writing Phase 3 graphemes into Phase 4. Included is both a PDF and editable word document.