Newsletter | June 2026
Winter greetings to you all!
Over the past few months we’ve been busy beavering away behind-the-scenes making program adjustments, and creating new resources.
The addition of Cara to our team couldn’t have come at a better time and in addition to resource development she’s been co-presenting live Read3 training for speech pathologists alongside Helen for the first time.
We're big advocates of professional learning, both for ourselves and our clients. Helen is attending the Speech Pathology Australia conference later this week, and will no doubt have plenty to share with us all on her return. Kate recently attended Learning Difficulties Australia's workshop on Tier 3 Intervention which explored data-driven intensive intervention, whole-school implementation and some practical adjustments for students with learning difficulties. For anyone looking to dive deeper on this topic, an on-demand recording is available and well worth the watch.
Why do embedded picture mnemonics work?
At this time of year, many schools are reviewing literacy data and identifying students whose letter–sound knowledge is still not where it needs to be. Many parents are also noticing similar concerns at home, with questions about whether their child is keeping pace with their peers.
If the data—or your ‘gut feel’—has you concerned, you’re not alone. More than one in four beginner readers struggle to establish strong letter–sound links..
Embedded picture mnemonics have been researched for more than 40 years and consistently shown to improve letter learning—but why?
In our latest article, we unpack the cognitive science behind embedded picture mnemonics, explain what the research says, and explore why they can be such a powerful support for children who are finding those early letter–sound connections difficult.
New Easy Alphabet packages online!
If you’re needing an embedded picture mnemonic, we’ve got you covered!
Our new-and-improved Easy Alphabet packages offer a structured, evidence-informed approach to building strong letter–sound knowledge from the very start. Features include:
⭐ Online access to instructional videos - simply click the letter and the video opens in a new tab.
⭐ Expanded range of resources - including classroom display cards featuring capitals and lowercase letters, letters cue strips and mouth cue cards.
⭐ State-specific fonts - available for QLD, NSW/ACT, SA and TAS, plus a 'Beginner' font with customised practice sheets to support VIC/WA/NT.
⭐ Playing cards and practice sheets mailed to your door.
⭐ Custom packages for schools, speech pathologists and parents, including individual and multi-user licences.
Grounded in Cognitive Load Theory and research behind embedded picture mnemonics, the Easy Alphabet helps children build accurate, automatic letter–sound knowledge while supporting handwriting from the very beginning.
Whether you're introducing phonics in the classroom, providing intervention, or supporting learning at home, the Easy Alphabet provides a practical, evidence-informed way to strengthen early literacy.
EXPLORE EASY ALPHABET PACKAGES
Major update to session practice guides
Have you updated yours yet?
The Read3 program is designed around learning milestones rather than a fixed curriculum sequence. At its core is a simple three-step daily routine that targets phonemic awareness (HEAR), phonics (SEE), and fluency (AUTO), with a range of activities included within each step to support the development of these key skills.
Our recent update to the practice guides introduces a clearer structure that distinguishes between ‘essential’ activities—those that form the core of every session—and ‘individualised’ activities, which provide additional practice, scaffolding, and flexibility to meet the needs of different learners.
Because intervention time is limited and highly valuable, it’s important that each session remains targeted, efficient, and responsive to the child in front of you. This updated structure is designed to support that goal by making decision-making within sessions clearer and more consistent.
One of the strengths of the Read3 approach is its flexibility. As a digital program, we are able to refine and update resources in response to both current research and the practical needs of the professionals using it. This update reflects that ongoing commitment. Happy practising!
Beyond single words: building fluent, meaningful reading
Learning to read doesn't stop once children can recognise individual words. The next challenge is learning to read a string of words smoothly, accurately and with understanding.
At Read3, we think of reading development as a progression. Children first establish sounds and letters, then learn to read words accurately and fluently. Once those skills are established, it's time to move beyond isolated words and start reading phrases and sentences.
This stage is incredibly important. Reading phrases helps children develop expression and prosody, while sentence reading builds stamina and provides the perfect opportunity to strengthen comprehension. Rather than simply reading words correctly, children begin thinking about whether what they are reading actually makes sense.
To support this stage of learning, we've expanded our phrase- and sentence-level resources with the introduction of Smooth Sentences across every Read3 program step. These activities provide hundreds of new opportunities for children to practise fluent reading while also developing comprehension using our SoS strategy.
2026 Read3 training for Speech Pathologists
So far this year another 50 speech pathologists have completed Read3 training, cementing our place as a well regarded intervention choice within the profession. If you’re a speech pathologist and haven’t yet completed training, now’s the time!
Our third training block for speechies will commence on Friday 24 July 2026.
The training block consists of four x 2 hr sessions. Replays are made available.
Participants will have access to Module 1 Step 1 of the Read3 program throughout the training block so they can practise what they learn.
REGISTER FOR SLP TRAINING
Read3 training for schools
If the prospect of training and budgeting for individualised intervention seems a little daunting, never fear!
While the Read3 program is ‘individualised’ it does not have to be administered one-on-one. Our games-based approach lends itself well to a small group setting, and detailed instructions, scripts and videos support all team members.
Training is available in a self-paced format to enable greater flexibility amongst your team. Learn a little, practice, then learn a little more.
If you are thinking about stepping up your intervention game, please reach out for a training and licence proposal..
ABOUT SCHOOL TRAINING
Reminder for Read3 professionalsSimply log in at any time to access your FISH and CHIP Screeners This is just a friendly reminder for professionals using the Read3 program. If you have ordered the free CHIP Screener in the past you can access the most up to date version of all three screeners online at any time - there is no need to reorder CHIPS! Similarly, if you have full access to the Read3 program, and have purchased the FISH Fluency Screener, all stories and score sheets can be accessed online. The location for both screeners is:
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Want to know more about Read3? Just Ask!
If you are not yet using Read3 or the Easy Alphabet, but are keen to know more, reach out via support@read3.com.au or book a phone call at a time that suits you. We're always happy to help.
Cheers for now,
Kate Andrew
Co-Founder, Read3 Literacy
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