Closing the Attainment Gap Through Phonics: Practical Tips for the Winter Term

Supporting progress with Monster Phonics

As we count down the final busy weeks before the Christmas break, many of us are taking stock of how our pupils are progressing—particularly those who may be at risk of falling behind with early reading. The end of term can be hectic, but it also offers valuable opportunities to reflect on what’s working well and where small adjustments could make a big difference.

Phonics remains one of the most powerful tools we have for closing the attainment gap in the early years and KS1. High-quality, consistent phonics teaching not only develops decoding skills but also builds confidence, independence, and a genuine love of reading—especially when children experience success early on.

Below are some practical, teacher-friendly ideas to support learners who need an extra boost, with examples of how Monster Phonics can help you lighten the load.

1. Revisit and refresh key sounds—little and often

At this time of year, fatigue can impact retention, particularly for children who need more repetition to secure learning. Short, daily revisits help keep sounds fresh and manageable.

Try:

• Five-minute “sound warm-ups” as children enter the classroom
• Quick-fire flashcard games using Monster Phonics’ colour-coded graphemes
• Revisiting sounds through festive-themed activities to keep motivation high

These small bursts of practice help children consolidate learning without overwhelming them.

2. Strengthen multisensory learning

Monster Phonics is designed to be multisensory—something that particularly benefits pupils who need additional support. Using colour, characters, and actions gives children more ways to make sense of new sounds.

Practical ideas:

• Encourage children to act out Monster characters actions when meeting tricky graphemes
• Use colour-coded word mats or mini whiteboards to reinforce patterns
• Incorporate simple movement breaks linked to phonemes—especially useful in the run-up to Christmas when concentration can waver!

These approaches help all learners, but they can be transformative for those with SEND, language delays, or lower prior attainment.

3. Use targeted blending practice to build fluency

Some children can recognise sounds but still struggle to blend, which can widen gaps quickly if not addressed.

To support them:

• Use Monster Phonics’ decodable books that match the exact graphemes taught
• Model oral blending throughout the day, not just during phonics lessons
• Offer paired reading where a confident reader supports a peer

This targeted blending practice builds reading stamina and confidence before pupils head into the new term.

4. Check for misconceptions before the holiday

The final weeks of term are an ideal time to spot any gaps that have quietly emerged. A quick, informal check can prevent misconceptions from settling in over the holiday.

You might:

• Reassess a few sounds or words from earlier phases
• Ask children to read back through previously learned tricky words
• Listen to short 1:1 reads with key pupils

Monster Phonics’ structured progression makes it easy to identify where children might be stuck and where to revisit in January.

5. Keep reading joyful—especially now

As we head toward Christmas, enthusiasm for stories is at its peak. For children who are still developing confidence, this is a perfect moment to nurture a love of reading.

Simple festive ideas:

• Create a “Christmas phonics hunt” using seasonal vocabulary
• Build a cosy reading corner with Monster Phonics characters on display
• Share winter-themed decodable books that feel special but still accessible
• Encourage families to enjoy reading together over the break, even if it’s just a few minutes a day

Positive reading experiences over the holidays can help children return in January feeling ready to progress.

6. Support staff consistency

A strong phonics programme is most effective when everyone follows it consistently. As the term winds down, quick refresher discussions or short team check-ins can help staff feel confident and supported.

You could:

• Review Monster Phonics lesson routines as a team
• Share successful activities or approaches
• Plan how to revisit key sounds early in the new term

This ensures that when children come back—full of stories about presents, pantomimes, and puddings—you’re equipped to pick up where you left off.

A final thought

Closing the attainment gap doesn’t come from one-off interventions; it comes from small, steady, supportive steps that keep every child included and engaged. As the festive season approaches, giving pupils a strong sense of success in phonics is one of the best gifts we can offer.

Wishing you and your pupils a joyful, restful Christmas break—and a confident start to the new year of reading.