At Perth Speech Therapy, many of our therapists are trained in Sounds-Write, an evidence-based synthetic phonics program that helps children learn to read, spell and write with confidence. Sounds-Write teaches children how spoken sounds link to written letters, supporting strong literacy development from the foundation up.
Why Sounds-Write Matters for Children
Children learn to speak naturally, but reading and spelling do not develop on their own — they need to be taught. For children with speech sound difficulties, language delays or early literacy challenges, Sounds-Write provides clear, structured and supportive teaching that feels achievable.
Sounds-Write is especially helpful because it:
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Reinforces speech sound awareness
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Builds confident decoding and spelling skills
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Is structured and predictable, which helps reduce frustration
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Supports children who may struggle with guessing while reading
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Works beautifully alongside speech therapy goals
What Makes Sounds-Write Different?
| Feature | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Sound-to-print teaching | Helps children understand how spoken sounds connect to letters. |
| Explicit, step-by-step instruction | No guessing from pictures or context — children learn the real code. |
| Cumulative progression | Skills build gradually, so children experience mastery, not overwhelm. |
| Multisensory learning | Listening, saying, seeing and writing engages the whole brain. |
| Reading and spelling taught together | What a child can read, they can learn to spell — building independence. |
What a Sounds-Write Session Looks Like
Sessions are short, structured, and tailored to each child’s pace. A child may:
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Learn a new sound-to-spelling relationship
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Practise blending sounds to read words
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Practise segmenting sounds to spell words
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Use cards, tiles, whiteboards or tactile supports
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Celebrate their progress and revisit skills to strengthen confidence
As your child progresses, we introduce longer words and more spelling patterns, always building on what your child already knows.
How Sounds-Write Supports Speech Therapy Goals
For children receiving speech therapy, Sounds-Write is a natural fit. When literacy and speech goals are aligned, progress becomes clearer and more meaningful.
Sounds-Write helps children:
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Hear and produce speech sounds more accurately
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Build phonological awareness needed for reading
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Reduce guessing behaviours while reading
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Feel more confident and in control of their learning
We know that consistency really matters — so even 5–10 minutes of calm practice at home can make a big difference.
Is Sounds-Write Right for Your Child?
Your child may benefit from Sounds-Write if they:
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Find reading or spelling difficult
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Guess words based on the first letter or pictures
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Have trouble hearing or producing certain speech sounds
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Feel stressed or discouraged during reading
You’re not alone — and there is a clear, structured path forward.
We’re Here to Support You
Our team at Perth Speech Therapy integrates speech goals and literacy goals so that your child learns in a way that feels positive, connected and achievable. We work alongside parents and teachers to ensure everyone is on the same page.
FAQ: Sounds-Write Phonics Program
What age is Sounds-Write suitable for?
Sounds-Write works well for children from pre-primary age (around 4 years old) all the way through upper primary. Younger learners start with sound awareness and simple spelling patterns. Meanwhile, older children can use the program to strengthen reading and spelling foundations.
In short: If your child is finding reading or spelling tricky, it is never too early — or too late — to start.
Does Sounds-Write replace speech therapy?
Sounds-Write does not replace speech therapy. Instead, it works alongside speech therapy. When a child is practising the same speech sounds in therapy and literacy activities, progress becomes stronger and more consistent.
Because of this, we often coordinate speech goals with literacy goals to help your child learn more effectively.
Is Sounds-Write helpful for children with dyslexia?
Yes. Sounds-Write aligns with the structured literacy approach recommended for children with dyslexia. It teaches:
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How sounds map to letters
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How to blend and segment for reading and spelling
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How to build confidence through success, step by step
As a result, children who previously felt overwhelmed often begin to feel capable and in control.
Will my child learn to spell as well as read?
Absolutely. In every lesson, children practise both reading and spelling. This connected approach helps children understand that what they can read, they can also learn to spell.
Because these skills build together, children often show improved independence and confidence over time.
How long before we see progress?
Most families notice early changes within a few weeks. For example, many children begin showing:
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More confidence
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More willingness to attempt reading
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Better awareness of speech sounds
However, deeper reading and spelling improvements grow gradually. Consistency matters more than speed. Even short, calm practice at home helps progress feel steady and encouraging.
What can we do at home to support learning?
Daily practice does not need to be long or formal. In fact, just 5–10 minutes of relaxed practice makes a meaningful difference.
You can support at home by:
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Reading decodable books matched to your child’s stage
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Playing sound-listening games (e.g., “What sound does fish start with?”)
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Encouraging effort rather than perfection
We will guide you with easy, practical home ideas — no stress, no pressure.
Does Sounds-Write use decodable books?
Yes. Sounds-Write pairs naturally with decodable books. These books match the spelling patterns your child is currently learning, which means they can experience success without guessing.
This approach helps reading feel achievable and empowering.
Will my child enjoy it?
Most children do enjoy Sounds-Write. The lessons are short, interactive and hands-on. Children use:
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Tiles
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Picture-free word cards
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Whiteboards
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Movement and rhythm
Because the activities feel achievable, children tend to relax, engage and build confidence over time.
How do I know if Sounds-Write is right for my child?
If your child:
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Guesses words instead of sounding them out
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Feels frustrated during reading
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Avoids writing or spelling
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Struggles to hear or produce certain speech sounds
Then a structured approach like Sounds-Write may be the support they need.
We can help you understand your child’s starting point and create a plan that feels positive and realistic.
Want to Learn More or Get Started?
We’d love to support you and your child.
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Book an Appointment → www.perthspeechtherapy.com.au
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Contact Us → mailto:info@perthspeechtherapy.com.au
- M: 0412256656