Feelings-Based Phonics™ is a science-of-reading-aligned approach that blends structured phonics instruction with social-emotional learning. It helps K–3 learners connect letter sounds to emotions, movement, and meaning so literacy skills actually stick.
Instead of teaching phonics and SEL as two separate things competing for time, this approach integrates both into one clear, repeatable routine.
The A–Z Sound Squad Card Decks
The foundation of Feelings-Based Phonics™ is the A–Z Sound Squad character cards. Each letter sound is represented by a character with a distinct emotion, action, and visual cue.
There are currently two versions of the A–Z decks available:
- OG-aligned deck with visual keywords
Designed for teachers and parents using Orton-Gillingham or structured literacy approaches. - Modern character deck without keywords
Ideal for general phonics instruction, SEL integration, and flexible classroom or home use.
Both versions are intentionally designed to support multisensory learning, consistent routines, and emotional language development.
This post will show you how to use the cards, walk through a sample lesson, and explain where the Feelings-Based Phonics™ program is headed next.
Why Combine Phonics and Social-Emotional Learning?
Early elementary classrooms are carrying a lot.
Teachers are expected to deliver strong reading instruction, support regulation, manage behavior, and build emotional skills, all within a limited school day. Something usually gets rushed or pushed aside.
Feelings-Based Phonics™ was created to bridge that gap.
By pairing each phonogram with an emotion-based character, students are not only learning how sounds work. They are also building emotional awareness, self-regulation language, and daily opportunities for connection.
This matters especially for students who thrive on movement, routine, visuals, and emotional relevance. When kids feel connected, learning becomes more meaningful and more durable.
Sample Lesson: Teaching “Active A”
Here’s what a Feelings-Based Phonics™ lesson might look like using Active A, the first character in the program.
Sound Deck Practice
Use a consistent language pattern:
“A, Active A, /a/”
Students say the sound while performing the character’s action, jumping in place like Active A.
This quick drill works well as a daily warm-up during whole group, small group, or intervention time. Over time, the emotion and movement help anchor the sound in long-term memory.
Blending Board Practice
Build and read simple, decodable words using previously taught sounds:
am, at, sad, mad, tap
Students blend the sounds, read the word, then act out Active A. Words can include both traditional decodable words and simple SEL-related vocabulary.
Dictation
Dictation connects reading, spelling, and writing.
Examples:
- Words: at, mad, cat
- Sentence: “Active A can run fast.”
Including the character in dictation reinforces meaning while keeping the focus on phonics skills.
Multisensory Exploration
Students explore the sound using hands-on activities such as:
- Tracing the letter in sand or salt
- Forming the letter with playdough
- Air-writing while saying the sound
- Coloring or painting while acting out the character
These activities strengthen the brain-body connection and provide multiple access points for different learners.
Decodable Text
Students read a short, fully decodable passage that features the target sound and character. For example:
“Active A ran. Active A can tap and nap.”
Decodable stories reinforce decoding, fluency, and comprehension while naturally opening the door to SEL conversations.
SEL Reflection
End the lesson with a brief discussion:
- When do you feel active?
- When is it helpful to use active energy at school?
- What helps your body calm down when it has too much energy?
These questions are short, meaningful, and easy to embed without adding extra time. If time allows, you can do a quick role play of a specific situation to deepen understanding.
Flexible by Design
Feelings-Based Phonics™ lessons are intentionally flexible. You can:
- Use them during your phonics block
- Integrate them into morning meeting
- Pull pieces for small groups or intervention
- Use them at home with your child
There is no single “right” way to use the program. The goal is clarity, consistency, and connection.
What’s Included in the A–Z Card Sets
Each deck includes:
- 26 letter-sound character cards
- Printable PDF
- Suggested actions or cues for each sound
- Consistent format and design across the set
You can explore the available A–Z card decks in the Feelings-Based Phonics™ shop.
What’s Coming Next
The A–Z cards are just the beginning. The full Feelings-Based Phonics™ program will continue to expand with:
- Complete lesson guides for each sound
- Blending boards, dictation templates, and decodables
- SEL discussion prompts and reflection tools
- Sound Squad characters for all advanced phonograms
Everything is being built intentionally and sequentially, aligned with Orton-Gillingham principles and real classroom needs.
Final Thoughts
Feelings-Based Phonics™ is a growing, evolving project created to support both literacy and emotional development in meaningful ways.
Whether you are a teacher, parent, or caregiver, my hope is that this approach brings more clarity, connection, and calm to your reading instruction.