The 2026 March school vacation runs from 14 to 22 March. Use the break for a few small, familiar activities rather than trying to teach an entire phonics sequence. These ideas also work during an ordinary weekend.
Choose sounds or words the child’s teacher has already introduced. Keep story sharing separate from any task you ask your child to read independently.
1. Find a starting sound
Materials: a sock, cup, bag and a few other familiar objects. Check the target pronunciation with the teacher if you are unsure.
Say “sock starts with /s/. Can you find something else beginning with /s/?” Use another familiar object such as soap. Name each object aloud yourself; this is a listening game, not a spelling test.
Make it easier: offer two objects and say both names. Extend it: invite your child to supply another spoken word. Do not add print until you want to practise a known letter–sound relationship.
2. Build and read one word
Materials: letter cards for a word your child has been taught. For example, use s, u and n if those sounds are familiar.
Arrange the cards. Point to each while modelling the sounds, join them and say “sun”. Invite your child to try with you. Move the cards apart and ask them to rebuild the same word, then read it again.
Make it easier: leave the word assembled and model again. Extend it: use a second teacher-matched word. Avoid turning the game into a speed race.
3. Match a read word to an object
Materials: two or three word cards and matching household objects, using taught patterns.
Ask your child to read one card before choosing the object. If they select a picture without reading, model the print and try together. Matching a picture alone is not the same as decoding its label.
Make it easier: read the card together and discuss its meaning. Extend it: read the same familiar word in a short sentence supplied by the teacher.
A routine that leaves time for a holiday
Pick one game for a quiet moment, then put the materials away. Your child can still hear stories, play outdoors and spend time with family without every activity becoming a lesson.
Keep one note if it helps: “Joined the sounds with a model; chose the matching object.” Share that observation when school resumes. If the child is frustrated, stop and ask their teacher for a more suitable task.
Dates follow the 2026 MOE school calendar reproduced by North Spring Primary School. Check your own preschool’s arrangements; private and international-school calendars can differ.
Related reading
- My Child Knows Letter Sounds but Cannot Blend: What Can I Try?
- Hands-On Phonics: Choose the Task Before the Materials
Discuss your child’s next step
If you would like help choosing suitable reading practice, book a complimentary assessment or explore our reading programme.
