Which sounds come first, and when? A parent’s map of the CAPS phonics sequence from Grade R to Grade 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2014 here is the map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first sounds taught \u2014 s, a, t, p, i, n \u2014 are chosen because they quickly combine into many real words: sat, tap, pin, nap. Early wins keep beginners motivated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each term builds on the last, which is why skipping ahead usually backfires \u2014 a gap in Term 1 shows up as frustration in Term 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you practise at home, use the same order the school uses. Our lessons follow the CAPS sequence exactly \u2014 pick your child’s grade from Grade R<\/a> to Grade 3<\/a> and the term-by-term order is built in.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKey takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n