In a year where literacy and education are under a nationwide spotlight, Sophie David’s new book Read, Write, Play offers a refreshing, supportive, and play-centred approach to early reading and writing. Set to publish this month, the book is a timely and practical response to concerns raised by both parents and policymakers.
In February, the UK government announced a new £2 million initiative to improve literacy standards in primary schools source: Department for Education. At the same time, the Curriculum and Assessment Review raised concerns about the current Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework not meeting the needs of all learners. With over a decade of experience in education and a unique perspective as both a teacher and a mum, Sophie David is well-placed to offer practical, experience-based solutions.
Below, Sophie answers questions that delve into her inspiration, methods, and advice for parents navigating the early stages of literacy.
What inspired you to write READ, WRITE, PLAY, and how does your own experience as a mum and teacher shape the book?
The idea for Read, Write, Play came from conversations I kept having, with fellow parents, carers, my sisters, and educators, all feeling unsure about how to support early literacy at home without it becoming stressful or overwhelming. As both a mum and teacher, I have seen first-hand that learning to read and write does not need to be rigid or formal, it can (and should) be playful. This book brings together all the little tricks and ideas I have used over the years, using everyday items to make learning feel natural, achievable, and full of joy.
You say children learn best through play—can you give a practical example of a simple phonics activity from the book that busy parents could try at home?
Absolutely! Most of the activities in the book are perfect for busy parents. We’ve even included a scannable QR code so you can easily print the activities if you’d like. One of my personal favourites from the first chapter is called ‘Blend Around the House.’ This activity is designed to seamlessly fit into your daily routine, you can do it in the bath, during a car ride, or even on the way to preschool. The idea is to sound out a word within a sentence to give it context, such as: “Can you see the red c-u-p?” or “Can you spot the b-u-s?”
With the phonics screening check happening in June, what advice would you give to parents who feel anxious about preparing their children?
Firstly, try not to worry about the Phonics Screening Check, it’s mainly a tool to see how well a school’s phonics program is working. Phonics should be fun, so avoid focusing on the word “test.” Keep enjoying daily reading, play simple sound games, and praise effort over perfection. Confidence grows through encouragement, not pressure. A relaxed, playful approach supports the best learning.
There’s growing concern about children starting school with underdeveloped motor skills—how do your play-based activities support both literacy and physical development?
Many of the activities in Read, Write, Play were created with this exact idea in mind. They’re designed to support a range of learning styles and to get children up and moving instead of sitting still at a desk. Incorporating movement and multisensory elements into phonics learning adds an extra layer of engagement, helping to strengthen neural connections and improve memory retention. Activities like Alphabet Hop, Pom-Pom Soup, Clap and Stomp, and Digraph Hunter combine physical movement with sensory input to make learning both effective and fun.
Screens are often blamed for developmental delays in young children—how do you approach screen time in your home and classroom, and what balance do you recommend?
I believe balance is everything. Screens can be helpful tools when used intentionally but they should never replace hands-on interaction. In our home, we have screen-free times built into our routine, and I always prioritise playful, real-world experiences that develop language, movement and imagination. In my classroom I always encouraged children to develop their skills on an Ipad or interactive whiteboard but I would encourage playfulness more. I don’t think we should demonise screens because let’s face it, they are here to stay but we should be encouraging children to have as much screen free time as possible!
Your book encourages using just ten household items—what are the most surprisingly effective materials parents already have at home for phonics play?
Honestly, cups, pom-poms and wooden lollisticks! Pom-poms are brilliant for anything from sound buttons to strengthening pincer grip. And lollisticks? We’ve used them for everything from tapping out syllables to hiding phonics clues around the house. Playdough is the most underrated learning supply there is, it is incredible for building those little muscles in children’s hands. Get your child squeezing, rolling and pinching playdough and without knowing they are supporting their writing journey. Also, NEVER underestimate the power of a good cardboard box, the possibilities are endless!
What do you think about the government’s current focus on early testing and academic benchmarks like phonics and maths tests for five-year-olds?
I completely understand the value of tracking progress, but I believe strongly that learning at this age should be rooted in play and curiosity. Young children develop at different rates, and academic benchmarks can sometimes cause unnecessary pressure especially for families and neurodivergent children. I’d love to see a greater focus on nurturing the whole child: socially, emotionally, and physically, not just academically. I’d also love to see more emphasis on subjects other than literacy and maths. We should be harnessing children’s skills, whatever they may be.
You mention a third of children under nine lack safe places to play. How can families with limited space or outdoor access still make play a powerful learning tool?
Play doesn’t need to be big or outdoors to be meaningful. A living room floor can become a phonics treasure hunt. A baking tray and some rice can become a sensory letter-writing tray. Even bathtime can be a learning opportunity with floating letters or rhyming games. It’s about using what you have, and knowing that connection and imagination matter more than space. The majority of the ideas in Read, Write, Play can be completed in small areas with supplies like paper cups or cardboard tubes. You can make so many games with a toilet roll!
With so many children on waiting lists for speech and language therapy, what can parents do right now to support their child’s communication development at home?
Talk, talk, talk! Narrate your day, ask open-ended questions, and listen with interest. Songs, rhymes and stories are brilliant for building language. Even a five-minute puppet show using socks can spark so much conversation. Play-based learning naturally encourages turn-taking, vocabulary-building and confidence, all vital for communication.
If a parent feels totally overwhelmed and unsure where to start with phonics, what would be your number one tip to help them take that first step with confidence?
Start small and start with sounds, not letters. Choose just a few to begin with (like s, a, t, p) and play simple games that help your child hear the sounds in words. For example, “Can you find something in the room that starts with s?” It’s not about being perfect, it’s about enjoying the journey together. Make it explorative and make it fun. Learn alongside your children, they are our greatest teacher.
Final Thoughts
Read, Write, Play is more than just a guide for parents; it’s a lifeline for those looking to empower their children with joyful, confident learning experiences. As concerns rise about testing, motor skills, screen time, and speech delays, Sophie David provides reassuring, practical, and evidence-informed advice grounded in over ten years of experience. Her play-based approach echoes best practices found in early childhood education research source: National Literacy Trust and is a welcome tool for parents and teachers alike.
With the launch of Read, Write, Play, Sophie is not just promoting literacy; she’s championing a movement to make learning more playful, more inclusive, and more joyful.