--- title: "Reception - Phonics - Tricky Words" url: "https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-01-07-reception-phonics-tricky-words" school: "Darwen St James’ C of E Primary Academy" --- # Reception - Phonics - Tricky Words ![](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/images/news/Collage_2026-01-07_19_24_45.jpg) 7 January 2026 This week, our Reception children have been diving into their "tricky words" using a multi-sensory Say It, Build It, Write It approach. This method helps children master words that don't follow standard phonetic rules by engaging different parts of their brain. First, the children Say It, looking closely at the word and identifying the "tricky" part that doesn't play fair. Next, they Build It using the magnetic letters, which helps them physically manipulate the sequence of sounds. Finally, they Write It using whiteboards to solidify their muscle memory. This hands-on sequence transforms abstract memorization into an interactive challenge, building both their reading confidence and their fine motor skills. ![](https://darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy.schudio.com/images/news/Collage_2026-01-07_19_24_45.jpg) [Reception](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/tag/reception) [Early Years Foundation Stage](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/tag/early-years-foundation-stage) [English](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/tag/english) [Phonics](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/tag/phonics) [![](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/100x100c/news/1a6040ea-e36c-48d5-a882-0439255e37da.jpg)](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-01-06-nursery-pshe-new-beginnings-and-building-friendships) Previous ### [Nursery - PSHE - New Beginnings And Building Friendships](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-01-06-nursery-pshe-new-beginnings-and-building-friendships) [![](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/100x100c/news/b87dc585-f12e-4741-9f75-6b4b31ced950.jpg)](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-01-08-year-5-maths-using-place-value-counters-to-help-with-multiplication) Next ### [Year 5 Maths - Using Place Value Counters to Help with Multiplication](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-01-08-year-5-maths-using-place-value-counters-to-help-with-multiplication) ### Academy Life - [News](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news) - [Events](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/events) - [Clubs](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/academy-life/basc) - [School Council](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/academy-life/school-council) - [Attendance](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/academy-life/attendance) - [Charities and Fundrasing](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/academy-life/charities-and-fundraising) - ![School Games Gold](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/images/partners/Gold_Logo_25-26(1).png) - ![Healthy school](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/images/partners/healthy_school.png) - ![Picture News](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/images/partners/6_Years_of_Picture_News.png) - ![AP smilestar](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/images/partners/Screenshot_2026-07-27_10.26.27.png) ##### Location St James Crescent Darwen Lancashire BB3 0EY ##### Contact Us 01254 703260 ##### Stay Connected - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Darwenstjames) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/darwenstjames/) © Copyright 2021–2026 Darwen St James’ C of E Primary Academy School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)