Cambridge-aligned • Ages 3–12

Tiny Steps Curriculum (Ages 3–12)

What does the full learning journey look like? This curriculum maps a clear pathway across phonics, grammar, and speaking so parents know exactly what comes next.

For daily home reinforcement, explore our phonics games with tracing, sound practice, and a 3-day free trial.

Phonics masteryGrammar confidencePublic speaking courage

What does the full learning journey look like?

The journey is structured in pathways and levels, not random topics. Each stage builds on the previous one: phonics foundations support grammar control, and both support confident speaking. Parents can track what is mastered, what comes next, and when a child is ready to progress. Next step: use assessment placement to start at the right entry point.

What does the full Tiny Steps learning roadmap include?

The roadmap connects Phonics, Grammar, and Public Speaking so children build reading, sentence control, writing clarity, and confident expression in a structured sequence.

How are children placed in the roadmap?

Children are placed by current skill level through assessment, then mapped to the most suitable starting stage instead of a fixed age-only track.

How is progression structured across programs?

Each pathway follows stage-based milestones, and children move forward when they show readiness in class practice, participation, and application.

What do parents usually notice first after placement?

Parents usually notice clearer focus in classes and steadier weekly progress because goals and next steps are mapped in advance.

Curriculum includes:

  • Phonics and reading foundations
  • Grammar and sentence building
  • Speaking and communication confidence

Academic note

This curriculum page is created by the Tiny Steps academic team and reviewed by the founder to keep program pathways clear, practical, and child-friendly for families.

Proof: how the curriculum roadmap builds stage by stage

Phase 1: Sound and reading foundations through phonics progression

Phase 2: Sentence and grammar control for clear writing accuracy

Phase 3: Expression and speaking structure for confident communication

Phase 4: Ongoing progression based on readiness, not random topic order

Next step: once your child is placed, follow the roadmap stage by stage rather than switching topics randomly.

Our Programs

Live online 1-on-1 classes in the phonics program, grammar program, and speaking program—tailored to your child’s level.

Phonics Pathway (Ages 3–12)

Best for early learners and children building synthetic phonics and phonics-based reading confidence.

▶ What is Jolly Phonics? (and how we use it)

Jolly Phonics is a popular synthetic phonics method that teaches children to read by connecting sounds with letters and blending them into words.

Our phonics program is based on synthetic phonics principles, including techniques used in Jolly Phonics.

Tiny Steps uses a structured synthetic phonics approach inspired by Jolly Phonics to help children read confidently.

  • • Alphabet & letter sounds
  • • Blending & digraphs
  • • Early reading fluency
  • • Fun games & songs

Outcome: Your child reads with better accuracy and confidence.

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Grammar Pathway (Ages 3–12)

Best for children who can read but need stronger sentence control.

  • • Parts of speech & sentence building
  • • Tenses & punctuation
  • • Creative writing practice
  • • School-aligned reinforcement

Outcome: Your child builds correct, usable grammar in daily writing and speech.

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Speaking Pathway (Ages 3–12)

Best for children ready to improve confidence and expression.

  • • Storytelling & speech structure
  • • Voice, clarity & projection
  • • Presentation practice & Q&A
  • • Confidence-building activities

Outcome: Your child speaks with more clarity, structure, and confidence.

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How your child progresses step by step inside each program

Ages 3–12
Phonics learning journey

Early, Advanced, and Foundations

  • SATPIN → vowel teams → multisyllabic strategies
  • Progression from sound recognition to fluent decoding routines
Ages 3–12
Grammar learning journey

Basic + Advanced modules

  • Parts of speech → complex tenses
  • Progression from sentence basics to structured writing control
Ages 3–12
Speaking learning journey

Confidence to commanding stage

  • S.P.E.A.K. habits, debates, visual aids
  • Progression from guided speaking to independent presentation skills

Why Tiny Steps curriculum feels different

Structured progression

Children move through a clear pathway instead of random topic jumps.

Live teacher guidance

Real-time feedback helps children apply learning, not just watch lessons.

Stage-by-stage mastery

Advancement is based on readiness and confidence, not guesswork.

Parent visibility

You get clear updates on progress, next targets, and support areas.

IB Primary Years Programme lens

How Tiny Steps aligns with IB English scopes

Children build communication, thinking, reflection, and confidence through inquiry-led English learning.

Learning is inquiry-led and concept-driven, so children question, discuss, connect ideas, and apply English in meaningful contexts.

Approaches to Learning (ATL)
Communication · Thinking · Research · Social · Self-Management
  • ✦These are the skills children use to learn independently, communicate clearly, and grow in confidence.
  • ✦Lesson reflections and voice/video journals strengthen communication and self-management in practical ways.
Transdisciplinary Themes
Who we are · How we express ourselves · How we organize ourselves
  • ✦Children use language to explore themselves, ideas, people, and the world around them.
  • ✦Reading, grammar, and writing projects connect to real-life contexts in age-appropriate ways.
IB Learner Profile
Inquirer · Communicator · Reflective · Principled
  • ✦This helps children become curious learners, thoughtful speakers, and reflective individuals.
  • ✦Children set goals, reflect using “Glow & Grow,” and share clear progress evidence with parents.

In simple terms, children do not just learn English content — they also learn to think clearly, express ideas, reflect, and communicate with confidence.

PHONICS FOUNDATIONS (30 lessons)
  • Letter sounds + short vowels
  • Build sound confidence and early blending
  • Perfect for ages 3–7 with no reading base
EARLY PHONICS (41 lessons)
  • Sound sets → digraphs → vowel teams
  • Magic E + longer word rules
  • Great for ages 4–8 building reading fluency
ADVANCED PHONICS (20 lessons)
  • Diphthongs → Bossy R → alternate vowels
  • Endings + fluency practice
  • Perfect for ages 6–12 with reading base

Phonics Foundations (30 lessons)

Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 1 — Letter sound: /s/
  • Lesson 2 — Letter sound: /a/
  • Lesson 3 — Letter sound: /t/
  • Lesson 4 — Letter sound: /i/
  • Lesson 5 — Letter sound: /p/
What we learn
  • Hear and say the first letter sounds
  • Match sounds to letters and pictures
  • Build sound confidence
Class activities
  • Sound-motion practice
  • Picture-sound matching
  • Quick recall games
Home practice
  • 2–3 minute sound review
  • Say sounds with picture cards
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 6 — Letter sound: /n/
  • Lesson 7 — Letter sound: /c/
  • Lesson 8 — Letter sound: /k/
  • Lesson 9 — Letter sound: /e/
  • Lesson 10 — Letter sound: /h/
What we learn
  • Add new letter sounds
  • Blend early sounds in simple words
  • Spot sounds in words
Class activities
  • Sound set drills
  • Blend and tap words
  • Sound spotting games
Home practice
  • Say the new sounds daily
  • Find sounds in 3 words
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 11 — Letter sound: /r/
  • Lesson 12 — Letter sound: /m/
  • Lesson 13 — Letter sound: /d/
  • Lesson 14 — Letter sound: /g/
  • Lesson 15 — Letter sound: /o/
What we learn
  • Learn new sounds in context
  • Blend CVC words with the new sounds
  • Recognize sounds in pictures
Class activities
  • Sound-to-picture match
  • CVC blending practice
  • Mini word reads
Home practice
  • Blend 3 simple words
  • Sound review cards
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 16 — Letter sound: /u/
  • Lesson 17 — Letter sound: /l/
  • Lesson 18 — Letter sound: /f/
  • Lesson 19 — Letter sound: /b/
  • Lesson 20 — Letter sound: /j/
What we learn
  • Extend sound bank
  • Blend and segment simple words
  • Improve sound discrimination
Class activities
  • Sound sorting
  • Word building
  • Read short word lists
Home practice
  • Short word list practice
  • Say sounds with actions
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 21 — Letter sound: /z/
  • Lesson 22 — Letter sound: /w/
  • Lesson 23 — Letter sound: /v/
  • Lesson 24 — Letter sound: /y/
  • Lesson 25 — Letter sound: /x/
What we learn
  • Complete the core sound set
  • Blend across mixed sounds
  • Build confidence in recall
Class activities
  • Mixed sound games
  • Quick recall races
  • Mini blending practice
Home practice
  • 2–3 minute mixed sound review
  • Read 3 short words
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 26 — Letter sound: /qu/
  • Lesson 27 — Short vowels: a e i o u
  • Lesson 28 — Review: all letter sounds
  • Lesson 29 — Revision
  • Lesson 30 — Revision
What we learn
  • Recognize short vowels
  • Blend with short vowels
  • Review all sounds
Class activities
  • Short vowel practice
  • CVC blending
  • Mixed review games
Home practice
  • Short vowel word practice
  • Sound review cards

Advanced Phonics (20 lessons)

Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 1 — Diphthongs: ai / ay
  • Lesson 2 — Diphthongs: oi / oy
  • Lesson 3 — Diphthongs: ou / ow
  • Lesson 4 — Diphthongs: au / aw
What we learn
  • Recognize diphthongs
  • Read diphthong words
  • Hear sound glides
Class activities
  • Diphthong sorting
  • Word reading practice
  • Sound glide drills
Home practice
  • Diphthong word list
  • Sound discrimination
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 5 — Bossy R: ar
  • Lesson 6 — Bossy R: or
  • Lesson 7 — Bossy R: ir / ur / er
What we learn
  • Recognize r-controlled vowels
  • Read r-controlled words
  • Compare ar/or/er/ir/ur
Class activities
  • Bossy R sorting
  • Word reading practice
  • Spelling choices
Home practice
  • Bossy R word list
  • Quick r-sound review
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 8 — Three J sounds
  • Lesson 9 — /shun/ endings
  • Lesson 10 — Silent letters
What we learn
  • Recognize special sounds
  • Spot silent letters
  • Read tricky patterns
Class activities
  • Pattern sorting
  • Silent letter spotting
  • Reading practice
Home practice
  • Tricky word list
  • Pattern review
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 11 — Alternate A
  • Lesson 12 — Alternate E
  • Lesson 13 — Alternate I
  • Lesson 14 — Alternate O
  • Lesson 15 — Alternate U
What we learn
  • Identify alternate vowel spellings
  • Choose correct vowel sound
  • Read words in context
Class activities
  • Vowel choice games
  • Word sorting
  • Reading practice
Home practice
  • Alternate vowel review
  • Read short sentences
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 16 — Ending rule: c / ct sound
What we learn
  • Recognize common endings
  • Read ending patterns
  • Spell ending sounds
Class activities
  • Word building with endings
  • Reading practice
  • Dictation drills
Home practice
  • Ending word list
  • Spelling check
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 17 — Revision
  • Lesson 18 — Revision
  • Lesson 19 — Revision
  • Lesson 20 — Revision
What we learn
  • Review all advanced patterns
  • Read with fluency
  • Build accuracy in connected text
Class activities
  • Mixed review games
  • Fluency reading
  • Error correction
Home practice
  • Mixed review list
  • Short passage reading

Early Phonics (41 lessons)

Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 1 — Sound Set 1: /s/ /a/ /t/
  • Lesson 2 — Sound Set 2: /i/ /p/ /n/
  • Lesson 3 — Hard /k/ sound: c & k
  • Lesson 4 — Sound Set 3: /e/ /h/ /r/
  • Lesson 5 — Sound Set 4: /m/ /d/ /g/
  • Lesson 6 — Sound Set 5: /o/ /u/ /l/
What we learn
  • Blend sound sets 1–5
  • Read simple CVC words
  • Build decoding confidence
Class activities
  • Sound set drills
  • CVC blending
  • Mini readers
Home practice
  • CVC word list practice
  • Sound recall cards
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 7 — Sound Set 6: /f/ /b/ /j/
  • Lesson 8 — Sound Set 7: /z/ /w/ /v/
  • Lesson 9 — Special letters: y, x, qu
  • Lesson 10 — Short vowels: a, e, i, o, u
What we learn
  • Complete sound sets 6–7
  • Recognize short vowels quickly
  • Blend with short vowels
Class activities
  • Short vowel games
  • Blend-and-read practice
  • Word building
Home practice
  • Short vowel review
  • Read 5 CVC words
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 11 — Digraph: sh (/sh/)
  • Lesson 12 — Digraph: ch + spelling: tch
  • Lesson 13 — Digraph: th (voiced & unvoiced)
  • Lesson 14 — Ending Rule: ck says /k/
  • Lesson 15 — End patterns: ng + silent b (mb)
  • Lesson 16 — Silent letters: kn = /n/
  • Lesson 17 — Silent letters: wr = /r/
  • Lesson 18 — Digraph: wh (/w/)
  • Lesson 19 — Tricky patterns: ph=/f/, gh (silent or /f/)
  • Lesson 20 — Revision: digraphs + tricky patterns
What we learn
  • Recognize common digraphs
  • Spot silent letters
  • Read words with digraphs
Class activities
  • Digraph sorting
  • Silent letter spotting
  • Word reading practice
Home practice
  • Digraph word practice
  • Silent letter review
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 21 — Floss Rule: double f/l/s after short vowel
  • Lesson 22 — Long A: ai (/ā/)
  • Lesson 23 — Long E: ee (/ē/)
  • Lesson 24 — Vowel team: ea (/ē/)
  • Lesson 25 — Vowel team: ie (/ī/)
  • Lesson 26 — Long O: oa (/ō/)
  • Lesson 27 — OO sounds: /oo/ vs /ʊ/
  • Lesson 28 — Long O: oe (/ō/)
  • Lesson 29 — Long U spelling: ui (fruit sound)
  • Lesson 30 — Long U spelling: ue (blue sound)
  • Lesson 31 — Long I: igh (/ī/)
What we learn
  • Recognize vowel teams
  • Read long vowel words
  • Compare short vs long
Class activities
  • Vowel team games
  • Word sorting
  • Reading practice
Home practice
  • Vowel team word list
  • Short vs long review
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 32 — Magic E: a_e (/ā/)
  • Lesson 33 — Magic E: e_e (/ē/)
  • Lesson 34 — Magic E: i_e (/ī/)
  • Lesson 35 — Magic E: o_e (/ō/)
  • Lesson 36 — Magic E: u_e (/yoo/ or /oo/)
What we learn
  • Understand the Magic E rule
  • Read Magic E words
  • Spell simple Magic E words
Class activities
  • Magic E word building
  • Short vs long contrast
  • Mini reading practice
Home practice
  • Magic E word list
  • Short vs long check
Lessons in this stage
  • Lesson 37 — Rabbit Rule: double consonant in 2-syllable words
  • Lesson 38 — Monster-le: consonant + le ending
  • Lesson 39 — Soft C: c says /s/ (before e/i/y)
  • Lesson 40 — Hard G: g says /g/
  • Lesson 41 — Final revision + reading check
What we learn
  • Apply multiple patterns in words
  • Read longer words
  • Review key rules
Class activities
  • Longer word practice
  • Mixed rule review
  • Fluency practice
Home practice
  • Mixed review cards
  • Read short sentences

Curriculum Breakdown

  • Phonics pathway (Ages 3–12): Letter recognition, phonemic awareness, blends & digraphs, and decoding that supports confident reading.
  • Grammar pathway (Ages 3–12): Word types, sentence building, punctuation, tenses, and guided writing children can apply in school and beyond.
  • Speaking pathway (Ages 3–12): Story structure, voice control, audience engagement, and presentation confidence built step by step.

Aligned to foundational literacy goals and designed to support school expectations with clearer communication outcomes.

Who this curriculum is designed for

  • • Your child knows letters but cannot blend words yet.
  • • Your child reads a little but lacks fluency and confidence.
  • • Your child struggles to build sentences correctly.
  • • Your child feels shy while speaking or presenting.
  • • You want structured progression, not random worksheets.

If this sounds familiar, start with a free assessment and we will place your child at the right stage. Book Free Assessment Class

Frequently asked questions

What age is this curriculum designed for?
The Tiny Steps curriculum is designed as a structured English pathway for children ages 3–12, with level placement based on current skill, not just age.
How do you decide where my child starts?
We use a free assessment to identify your child’s current stage in reading, grammar, and speaking, then recommend the most suitable starting point.
How are Phonics, Grammar, and Speaking connected in one curriculum?
The curriculum is designed as one connected journey. Children build decoding in phonics, apply language control in grammar, and use both skills for clearer speaking and expression.
How long is each class session in this curriculum?
Each live online class runs for 35–40 minutes per session, with guided teaching, practice, and teacher feedback in every session.
Can a child move between pathways as needs change?
Yes. Placement is reviewed by skill progression, so children can move to the right next pathway when reading, grammar, or speaking needs shift.
How is this different from school English teaching?
School English often follows class pace for everyone. Tiny Steps follows stage-by-stage mastery with live feedback, so your child progresses with clarity and support.
Will this help with spelling mistakes?
Yes. As children learn sound patterns, blending, and word families, spelling accuracy improves naturally. We reinforce this through guided practice and correction routines.
Do you teach CBSE / ICSE / IB students?
Yes. We support children across CBSE, ICSE, and IB backgrounds. The curriculum focuses on core English skills that transfer well across school systems.
How do parents track progress?
Parents receive clear progress updates with what is mastered, what needs reinforcement, and what comes next. This keeps learning transparent and easy to support at home.
Do you give homework or practice activities?
Yes. We provide practical home reinforcement between classes. Families can also use our phonics games for daily practice in a low-pressure routine.
What if my child is slow or lacks confidence?
That is common, and we handle it with care. We teach at the child’s current level, use supportive routines, and build confidence through small, visible wins.
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