Emma Spiers on The Vital Role of Pre-Phonics for Reading Success

Emma Spiers explains why pre-phonics begins at birth and how everyday activities like singing, stories and play develop essential reading foundations. Learn practical, systematic approaches to support children aged 2-4 in building vital pre-reading skills.
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· April 4, 2025

Emma Spiers, who since 2012 has also been known as ‘The Learning Lady’, is an educational consultant, author and trainer specialising in PrePhonics and Early Language Development. She has also been a nursery nurse, teacher, deputy headteacher, Local Authority phonics consultant, school governor AND EY Ofsted inspector!

In this insightful interview, Emma explores what comes before formal phonics teaching and why these foundational skills are critical to reading success. Emma shares her deep understanding of the developmental journey from birth onwards that prepares children for reading, emphasising that phonics is a marathon not a sprint. You’ll discover practical, play-based approaches to pre-phonics that are both systematic and engaging for children aged 2-4 years.

In this episode you’ll:

  • Discover why pre-phonics begins at birth through sound awareness, babbling and visual tracking
  • Learn how singing, storytelling and games develop critical skills for reading readiness
  • Understand the importance of a systematic approach rather than random phonics activities
  • Find out how to identify and address gaps in pre-phonics skills through play
  • Get practical strategies to help parents understand and support the pre-phonics journey

Watch this session to discover how stories, songs and developmentally appropriate games can build the essential pre-phonics foundation that every child needs for reading success.

Episode Links:

Emma has created an AWESOME free download for Early Years TV viewers. There are 17 pages of Super Sounds, Ready for Reading ideas, QR codes to songs for you to sing along to instantly, and links to even more YouTube content.

Download all this for FREE now!! https://learninglady.co.uk/EYTV

Thank you Emma!

https://learninglady.co.uk/educational-consultant

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035972178415

https://twitter.com/learningladyuk

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpEwh2-nBp0UeGqIiBC-QUQ

This episode is exclusively available for Early Years TV Premium members.

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