Help students build confidence in reading and spelling with this focused phonics pack exploring the -ag word family.

Designed for early readers who are learning to blend and segment simple words, this pack provides explicit practice with the short a sound through the words bag, gag, lag, nag, rag, sag, tag and wag. All eight words contain three sounds and follow a consonant–vowel–consonant (CVC) pattern, supporting students to consolidate foundational decoding and spelling skills.

Students progress from blending individual sounds to reading whole words, changing sounds, spelling dictated words and reading short sentences. Sound markers and highlighted vowels support careful attention to each sound, while mixed practice and a quick check help teachers identify learning that needs revisiting.

This pack includes:

• Student slides with clear learning intentions and success criteria

• Sound-by-sound blending and whole-word reading

• Mixed word practice and a sound-change activity

• Spelling prompts with answer slides

• Short sentences for applying decoding skills

• A quick reading check with accompanying spelling guidance

• A teacher guide with teaching prompts, answers, vocabulary support and selected New Zealand Curriculum Phase 1 links

Suggested use: Short, teacher-led sessions for whole-class teaching, small groups or targeted support, selected according to students’ phonics knowledge and readiness. Use alongside your systematic phonics programme to reinforce taught letter–sound relationships.

Phonics focus: Short a, -ag word family, hard g, blending, segmenting, reading and spelling CVC words.