Parents often ask why their child is learning 's' before 'x', or what 'Term 2 phonics' actually covers. CAPS teaches sounds in a deliberate order — here is the map.
Why the order matters
The first sounds taught — s, a, t, p, i, n — are chosen because they quickly combine into many real words: sat, tap, pin, nap. Early wins keep beginners motivated.
The broad sequence
Grade R: hearing sounds and learning single letter sounds. Grade 1: all single sounds, then blending, then consonant blends (st, br, fl). Grade 2: digraphs (sh, ch, th), vowel teams (ee, oo, ai) and endings (-ing, -ed). Grade 3: trickier patterns, silent letters and multi-syllable words.
Each term builds on the last, which is why skipping ahead usually backfires — a gap in Term 1 shows up as frustration in Term 3.
Keeping home in step with school
If you practise at home, use the same order the school uses. Our lessons follow the CAPS sequence exactly — pick your child's grade from Grade R to Grade 3 and the term-by-term order is built in.
Key takeaways
- CAPS teaches sounds in a deliberate order, starting with s, a, t, p, i, n.
- Each term builds on the last — gaps compound, so fill them early.
- Home practice works best when it follows the same sequence as school.
References & further reading
- Department of Basic Education — CAPS Foundation Phase
- Department of Basic Education — Rainbow Workbooks
External sources open in a new tab. Saving Grace Education Group is not affiliated with these organisations.