What is the Phonics Train?
The Phonics Train is the first comprehensive reading scope and sequence specifically created to guide instruction in ECD classes for learners who speak English as a second language.
Developed by the Oasis Book Project, it develops all 5 key reading skills from the outset — phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, vocabulary, fluency & accuracy, and comprehension.
Why the Phonics Train?
Designed to remove barriers between young ESL learners and confident reading — from day one.
Simple for ESL Learners
Makes understanding and application of sounds easy for learners of English as a second language.
Structured Sequence
Sounds are introduced in a sequence that is simple, structured, sequential, and easy to follow.
Systematic & Cumulative
Skills are taught systematically and cumulatively — each skill taught to mastery before moving on.
Simple Starting Words
Initially uses only CVC words (three letters or fewer) for blending practice — building confidence early.
Locally Relevant
Provides local, culturally relevant references, teacher resources, and graded books that are affordable.
All 5 Reading Skills
Develops all 5 key reading skills from the outset: phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.
Basic Sounds Chart
The chart contains all the letters of the alphabet, rearranged in the sequence in which their sounds will be taught. The Basic Sounds chart is progressive — it enables teachers to use only sounds that have been learned.
That is why the first word is a, followed by dad, followed by nan, etc. This chart will allow teachers to teach 26 sounds in one school year.
- ✅ Beautiful illustrations and mouth shapes
- ✅ Short, decodable words for each sound
- ✅ Progressive — only learned sounds featured
- ✅ Covers all 26 sounds in one year
The Four Learner's Workbooks
Designed to give beginning readers great phonemic awareness and a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between letters and sounds.
Basic Sounds
Introduces all 26 sounds with colorful illustrations, letter names, and simple CVC words. The foundation of the entire Phonics Train reading journey.
Consonant Blends
Builds on Basic Sounds to introduce consonant blends — helping learners decode more complex words and develop reading fluency and accuracy.
Digraph Sounds
Covers digraphs (sh, ch, th, ph, wh) in a structured, cumulative way — each new digraph introduced after the foundational sounds are mastered.
Sight Words Practice
Develops automatic recognition of high-frequency words — a critical step toward fluent, confident reading and strong comprehension.
📌 Learners will also build vocabulary using simple, decodable words with colorful illustrations — setting them on the path to becoming skilled readers who love to read.
Manuals & Teaching Resources
Simple, structured, and easy to follow — designed for teachers and home educators alike.
Teacher's Manual
Provides a clear roadmap for teachers, showing them the strategies that can be used at each level to develop the relevant skills in their learners. Simple, structured, and easy to follow.
Parents and non-teachers who wish to home-school their children will also find the Teacher's Manual to be an excellent guide.
Syllables Made Easy
Contains helpful information on the various types of syllables, the sounds they produce, and syllable division rules — making a challenging topic accessible for teachers at every level.
An essential resource for teachers ready to take their reading instruction to the next level.
Scope & Sequence + Flip Chart
The Scope & Sequence is the complete roadmap of the Phonics Train reading programme — showing teachers exactly what to teach, in what order, and at what pace.
The large classroom-ready Flip Chart covers all Phonics Train sounds and sequences — ideal for whole-class instruction with clear visuals every child can follow.
- ✅ Full-year teaching roadmap
- ✅ Classroom-sized for group instruction
- ✅ Covers all 26 sounds in sequence
- ✅ Included in both Starter Kits
Choose Your Starter Kit
Both options are handbook-backed pathways into the business. Choose the one that fits your budget and your preferred speed of mastery.
Consultant Starter Kit
- ✅ Three Phonics Train teacher manuals
- ✅ Phonics Train Flip Chart
- ✅ Basic Sounds Chart
- ✅ Sight Words Chart
- ✅ Phonics Train Scope and Sequence
- ✅ Four learner workbooks to read and understand
- ✅ Dedicated mentor from day one
Extended Book Kit
- ✅ Everything in the $35 Starter Kit
- ✅ Ten Sound Series titles
- ✅ Five Read to Me Series titles
- ✅ Ten Starter Series titles
- ✅ All manuals, charts, and workbooks
- ✅ Dedicated mentor from day one
📌 Reading these materials boosts your credibility and makes it easier to persuade schools to adopt the Phonics Train reading programme, directly increasing your earning potential.
How the Sequence Works
The Oasis Phonics Train has specifically been designed to simplify the learning of the relationship between sounds and the letters that represent them in words — for learners of English as a second language.
We begin with just 6 carefully selected letters. The first two — a and d — are among the first sounds made by infants in our context (a-a, da-da), and both share the same kinesthetic letter formation. From just these two sounds, we can form a name (Dada) and four short words for blending and reading.
Once learners master the first two sounds, four more are introduced (n, i, s, p) to complete the first group. The remaining 20 sounds follow one at a time:
Each sound is introduced with appropriate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic stimuli — at a pace guided by the learner's learning rate.