Module 1 – Foundations of Jolly English & Jolly Phonics
Building confident teachers from the very first lesson
Module 1 provides teachers with a comprehensive introduction to the Jolly English and Jolly Phonics programmes and prepares them to confidently begin teaching English through a structured, child-centred and multi-sensory approach.
The training begins with an overview of the Jolly English programme, helping teachers understand how spoken language, vocabulary development and communication create the foundation for successful literacy. Participants explore how children naturally acquire language and how Jolly English and Jolly Phonics work together to develop confident English learners.
The course then introduces the core principles of Jolly Phonics, including the systematic teaching of the 42 letter sounds, the five key skills, and the methodology behind synthetic phonics. Teachers gain a clear understanding of why the programme is so successful and how it supports children's reading, writing, pronunciation and spelling.
Throughout the day, the emphasis is placed on learning by doing. Teachers actively participate in demonstrations, practical workshops, collaborative activities and classroom simulations, experiencing the programme exactly as children do.
During Module 1 participants will:
- understand the philosophy and structure of Jolly English and Jolly Phonics;
- learn how synthetic phonics supports early literacy and English language development;
- explore the first four groups of the 42 letter sounds, including their actions, songs, stories and classroom activities;
- practise introducing the first four groups of sounds using the five key skills:
- learning the letter sounds,
- letter formation,
- blending,
- identifying sounds in words,
- tricky words;
- gain confidence in planning and delivering their first Jolly Phonics lessons;
- discover practical classroom management strategies that encourage active participation and positive behaviour;
- learn how to organise engaging lessons using games, movement, songs, stories and hands-on activities;
- explore differentiation strategies for learners with different abilities and learning styles;
- understand how Jolly Phonics can be implemented within the national curriculum;
- receive practical ideas that can be applied immediately in the classroom.
The training combines educational theory with extensive practical application. Every activity is demonstrated, explained and practised so that teachers leave feeling confident and ready to teach from the very next day.
By the end of Module 1, teachers will be equipped to confidently teach the first four groups of letter sounds in their classrooms.
During Module 1 participants will:
- benefit from over 14 years of practical experience implementing Jolly Phonics in Slovakia through authentic classroom examples, case studies and proven teaching strategies;
- learn from real experiences gained at Jolly HOMESCHOOL (Elementary School) and in partnership with numerous Slovak schools that have successfully introduced the programme;
- discuss practical classroom situations, common challenges and effective solutions based on everyday teaching practice.
Our Training Philosophy
At Jolly Phonics Center Slovakia, we believe that teachers learn best in the same way children do—through active participation, collaboration, reflection and practical experience.
Our workshops are highly interactive and include:
- live demonstrations;
- hands-on practice;
- micro-teaching;
- collaborative lesson planning;
- classroom management strategies;
- real classroom scenarios;
- opportunities for discussion and reflection.
Every participant receives practical resources, teaching ideas and classroom-ready strategies that can be implemented immediately.
Continuing Your Jolly Learning Journey
Module 1 is the first step in our professional learning pathway.
In Module 2, teachers continue their journey by exploring the remaining groups of the 42 letter sounds, expanding their understanding of the five key skills and developing greater confidence in teaching reading, writing and spelling.
The second module also focuses on:
- extending phonics knowledge to all remaining letter sound groups;
- teaching alternative spellings and pronunciation;
- developing fluent blending and segmenting;
- assessment and progress monitoring;
- lesson planning across the whole programme;
- practical classroom applications and differentiation;
- building children's confidence as independent readers and writers.
Together, Modules 1, 2, 3 and 4 provide teachers with a complete foundation for successfully implementing the Jolly English and Jolly Phonics (from Step 1 to 3) and introduction to Jolly Literacy programmes in their classrooms, combining educational theory, practical teaching strategies, classroom management and hands-on experience. Modul 5 is introducing full Jolly Literacy programme in details.
