What is Fónaic le Fís?
Fónaic le Fís is a structured, evidence-informed Irish phonics programme designed to give children the skills they need to become confident, independent readers and writers through Gaeilge. Rooted in the Science of Reading research and aligned with the Primary Language Curriculum, the programme provides explicit, systematic instruction in phonological awareness, sound–symbol correspondences, blending, segmenting, and high-frequency “heart words.”
Carefully sequenced lessons aligned with our unique scope and sequence, ensure that children build knowledge step by step, allowing them to successfully decode texts using the skills they have been taught. Decodable readers, writing activities, and 'Classroom Kit' resources work together to support children in becoming fluent reader and meaningful writers.
Created by a practising primary teacher, Fónaic le Fís reflects the realities of the Irish classroom and supports teachers with clear guidance, practical resources, and engaging materials. The programme uses a standardised Irish pronunciation to provide a consistent foundation for reading while remaining accessible to schools across all dialect regions.
Fónaic le Fís A
Available to buy here at abcschoolsupplies.ie
Fónaic le Fís Leabhar B:
Revises 25 initial sounds as Gaeilge from Leabhar A
Introduces 12 new spelling patterns to expand children's understanding of Irish phonetics.
Consolidates phonological awareness learning covered by the Phonemic awareness drills in the ‘Leabhar an Mhúinteora’.
Teaches children how to use their phoneme knowledge to read and write decodable words.
Teaches 30 irregularly spelled words using the ‘heart word approach’.
Covers 73 out of the top 100 most frequently found words in early years Irish books (43 decodable words and 30 heart words).
Includes an A5 practice book to revise the 37 spelling patterns.
