Monster Mash – Welcome Back!
We hope that for those who had a summer break, it was restful, energising, and full of special moments with friends and family. The first weeks of term bring both excitement and challenge; getting to know new children, helping them settle back into routines, and setting the tone for the year ahead.
This special, slightly longer Monster Mash is here to help you start strong, with updates, tips, and resources to make the most of the year ahead.
Over the summer – big improvements for your classroom
Over the past year, we have refined every single digital resource – thousands of slides, videos, songs, and learning tools – to make them clearer, sharper, and easier for children to absorb. Lessons are now even more consistent, with a focus on reducing cognitive load while keeping the five-part structure you know and trust.
We have also:
• Released Digital Tracker (Edition 3) – faster navigation, simpler assessments, and small tweaks suggested by schools. We always listen.
• Improved the eBook platform – smoother class setup, expanded admin tools, and clear getting started guidance.
• Launched a brand new Training Hub – see Kathryn Tilbury’s thoughts below.
All of these updates are included in your membership – no add-ons.
Training
Grow Your Skills with the Monster Phonics Training Tree 
Last term we launched our brand-new Training Tree – your one-stop hub for comprehensive phonics training. Designed to support every member of your teaching team, it offers a clear, step-by-step pathway to phonics mastery. From the essential foundations with Phonics Fundamentals through to in-depth Core Team Training, the Training Tree builds consistency, confidence, and excellence in every classroom.
This September: Specialised Pathways
We’re thrilled to announce that this September we’ll be adding the final branches to our Training Tree – Specialised Pathways. These role- and year-group-specific courses are designed to deepen expertise, ensuring every teacher has the tools to deliver outstanding phonics lessons. Whether you’re an EYFS practitioner, KS1 teacher, international teacher, or Reading Leader, these certified pathways will help you grow into a true phonics expert.
To give you the right support at the right time, the Specialised Pathways will be released in phases across the year, with modules made available at key points to align with your teaching journey. This phased approach means your team can build skills progressively, with targeted training just when you need it most.
Hot off the Press: Refresher Training Video
Start the year strong with our brand-new Refresher Training video. Perfect for re-energising your team after the summer break, this short session will reset your focus and get everyone classroom-ready with confidence.
To get Monster Phonics off to a flying start in your school
simply click here
To support you further, we’ve also included a handy Learning Companion featuring a quick reference guide and training handout
Supporting Your School and Families
Drop-In Sessions for Schools
We are introducing regular online Drop-In Sessions for Monster Phonics schools. These sessions provide expert advice, practical teaching tips, and updates on new resources, all within a relaxed and supportive space. They also offer the chance to connect with other schools in the Monster Phonics community. Sessions run throughout the year at different times to suit your schedule. Places are free but limited. Click here to book
Parent Information Sessions
Families are also invited to join our Parent Information Sessions. These sessions explain phonics in a clear and supportive way, introduce the Monster Phonics approach, and show how parents can help their children at home. Strengthening the parent-school partnership is central to our mission, and these sessions make it easy for parents to feel confident in supporting their child’s reading journey.
Please share this with your parent community, we would love as many families as possible to benefit. Click here for the link
Books and resources
This summer saw a flurry of orders from schools in the UK and across the world. The most popular choices were:
• Mega Deals on Books – built-in discounts to help schools expand their libraries
• Non-fiction and Additional Adventures
• Classroom resources such as flashcards and posters, perfect for setting everything up for the new year
If you are looking to fill gaps or plan ahead for the year, we are always happy to advise on collections that will work best for your class.
Seen Monster Peek?
Monster Peek is our online library showcase that gives you instant, free access to one full book from every Monster Phonics series. From early-stage readers to KS2 Flying Ahead Non-Fiction and our award-winning Intervention Comics, Monster Peek lets you experience how our colour-coded, multisensory approach makes reading engaging and effective for every child.
New on the eBook Platform: 18 More Monster Phonics Comics!
Set 2 of our Comics to Consolidate is now live on the eBook platform, taking the total to 38 superhero-inspired stories designed to support progress in reading.
Created for children in Key Stage 2 who need an extra boost, they are also an ideal resource for consolidation in Key Stage 1.
- Builds confidence by revisiting high-frequency graphemes and tricky words
- Flexible to use – read in sequence or dip in and out
- Captivating superhero storylines keep children motivated and engaged
- Structured, inclusive and memorable, making phonics easier to master
Part of our DfE-validated, research-based programme, the comics use colour-coding and monster characters to make reading both effective and enjoyable for all learners.
Comics to Consolidate are now available – ready for classrooms and home use.
Inclusion
Inclusion is at the heart of every decision we make. Every teacher should be able to teach with confidence, every child should feel represented in our resources, and no one should be left out.
This summer, we made gentle visual updates to two of our digital characters in response to feedback from schools and faith communities. Tricky Witch now appears without her hat and necklace, and the Silent Ghosts have softened into cloud-like forms. These are small, thoughtful changes to ensure that every child can access the programme fully.
For most schools, the names and printed resources will stay exactly the same, and all your books, posters, flashcards, and classroom materials will continue as before. For those who prefer, you now have the quiet option to use the names Tricky and Silent Monsters, with matching books and resources becoming available over time.
Our characters are a much-loved part of Monster Phonics and central to our approach. They bring story and meaning into phonics teaching, making learning stick. Even small changes matter, and we will always handle them with care and respect.
Looking ahead
This year, our Nursery and Superhero Spelling programmes will gain exciting new resources, adding depth and flexibility for the schools who use them. We will share previews in upcoming editions.
Thank you for your dedication, energy, and belief in every child. Here’s to a year where every star shines brightly.
Need a hand? Whether it is planning training, choosing resources, or a quick question, just reply to this email – we are here to help.
Ian Connors
Director of Education
Monster Phonics
