Which sounds come first, and when? A parent’s map of the CAPS phonics sequence from Grade R to Grade 3.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Our CAPS-aligned programme turns these ideas into fun, interactive lessons. Try the first two lessons of every grade for free.
Help your child become a confident reader. Explore the CAPS-aligned Saving Grace Learn to Read programme — the first two lessons of every grade are free, no card needed.
