In many classrooms across the globe, the educational materials used to teach early reading are overwhelmingly shaped by Western norms – often rooted in UK or US culture. While these materials may serve their home contexts well, they can feel disconnected from the lived experiences of children in international schools, where cultural diversity is the norm, not the exception.
At Monster Phonics, we believe that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in their learning. As a result, we’ve made it our mission to build a phonics scheme that not only supports literacy development but also celebrates the rich variety of world cultures represented in today’s classrooms.
As an inclusive phonics programme, Monster Phonics is designed with international schools in mind. We work closely with the schools and communities we support, listening carefully to their feedback to guide the development of our resources. This collaborative approach ensures that our materials are both culturally sensitive and globally relevant.
From reimagining character designs to creating stories and lesson content that draw inspiration from cultures around the world, we are committed to diversity at every level. These new elements enrich the learning experience, fostering engagement and a sense of belonging for all children.
Representation matters. When children see characters and stories that reflect their own backgrounds – and those of their peers – it not only affirms identity but also nurtures empathy and understanding. By integrating global perspectives into phonics instruction, we help create a more inclusive classroom environment where every child feels valued.
Our commitment goes beyond token gestures. Diversity and cultural sensitivity are core to how we design, evaluate and evolve our programme. Because literacy is not just about learning to read – it’s about helping children make meaning of the world around them.
Monster Phonics is proud to be part of a global movement towards more inclusive education. Together with schools, we’re creating resources that honour every child’s voice and story to increase engagement and accelerate progress.
