ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Designed by a teacher, for teachers.
Hi, I’m Michelle – the founder of Toolbox Phonics, a play-based phonics programme that uses traditional childhood games to deliver fun and engaging lessons.
As a primary school teacher with over 12 years of classroom experience, and a deep understanding of how young children learn best, I developed a unique approach that blends learning with play!
Turning learning into games was always something I was good at.
In a typical lesson, I would gather the picture and word cards needed for that week’s focus sounds and then grab my toolbox – a box filled with simple items such as play dough, dice, a fly swatter, a blindfold, etc! I would then create endless games using those items and the cards – making reading and writing fun!
Over the years, what started as a toolbox of games evolved into a complete, curriculum-aligned programme – and so, Toolbox Phonics was born!
“I am passionate about play-based learning, and I believe all children can – and should – enjoy learning to read and write.”
HOW OUR GAMES WORK
It’s simple, effective —and fun!
The scheme follows a systematic sequence of sounds, which build upon one another to allow learners to read and write more and more words each week.
Each week focuses on a new set of sounds, and every plan across the whole programme includes five fun, fast-paced games, each with a clear phonics focus:
GAME 1
Revisit previous sounds
GAME 2
Teach new sounds
Isolate them in words, and learn any spelling rules
GAME 3
Read words with the new sounds
GAME 4
Spell words with the new sounds
GAME 5
Apply the new sounds in full sentences
Preparing and delivering the lessons is as easy as 1, 2, 3
STEP 1
Read the lesson plans
Each game comes with simple instructions and links to learning. Play one per day or all five in one session — perfect for flexible schedules, whether you’re a teacher, tutor, or home educator.
STEP 2
Download resources
Each Set includes downloadable materials such as flashcards, picture and word cards, game templates, and sentence sheets. Already have similar resources? Just print what you need.
STEP 3
Gather your Toolbox
The lesson plan suggests playful items to enhance each game — all are easy to find or swap. Don’t worry if something’s missing; the games still work, but the tools add extra magic!
TRY OUR STARTER PACK
Everything you need to teach early literacy
WHO IS IT FOR
Classroom or home, Toolbox Phonics is built for educators who believe learning should be fun!
Made for Teachers
Spend less time planning and more time playing — with ready-to-use lesson plans and games for every phase from 1 to 6.
Loved by Parents
Support learning at home with trusted games that make learning to read and write simple, engaging, and fun for your child.
Trusted by Schools
Support your school’s phonics scheme with British Curriculum–aligned games — a complete toolkit, backed by play-based pedagogy.
WHY IT WORKS
At its core, Toolbox Phonics is grounded in science (and common sense)
Brains learn through repetition
Neural connections strengthen with repeated use!
The programme systematically revisits previous sounds while introducing new ones in small, manageable chunks.
Each week includes a revisit game, ensuring previously taught sounds and skills stay fresh.
Young children learn best through short, focused bursts of play.
That’s why our games are short, sharp, and high-energy – maximising learning during moments of peak engagement.
Phonics doesn’t have to be 30–40 minutes of stand-alone teaching. The games can be sprinkled throughout your timetable, giving children frequent, engaging learning opportunities.
Children learn through play
– and they have a right to enjoy learning.
When children are having fun through our games, engagement is higher, and that leads to deeper, more lasting learning – even when they don’t realise they’re learning!
Toolbox Phonics isn’t just another set of phonics activities – it’s a joyful reimagining of the traditional childhood games we loved, now passed down to the next generation!
