Wild Bristol Reading and Regulation Cards: Set 1 Phonics
Unlock the power of movement to spark a love for reading.
Welcome to a new way of learning sounds—one that steps away from the desk and embraces the natural need to move. The Wild Bristol Reading and Regulation Cards are more than just flashcards; they are a multisensory toolkit designed to bridge the gap between emotional regulation and academic success.
Created by a former Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher with over 13 years of experience, these cards are built on the scientific truth that children need to move to learn. By combining Set 1 Phonics sounds with specific movements, local heritage, and sensory regulation strategies, we help children build a robust foundation for literacy that sticks.
The "Regulation First" Approach
Before a child can decode a word, their nervous system must be settled. Modern neuroscience tells us that a dysregulated child cannot access the "thinking" part of their brain (the prefrontal cortex).
These cards prioritize Regulation First. They are designed to help you determine exactly what your child’s body needs to reach that "ready to learn" state:
Balancing (Vestibular Input): For spatial awareness and focus.
Grounding (Proprioceptive Input): Deep pressure activities to organize the body.
Calming: Anxiety-reducing movements to soothe a busy mind.
Energising: Alerting actions to wake up a sluggish system.
How Embodied Learning Works
These cards utilise Embodied Cognition—the theory that our brain’s learning centres are intimately linked to our physical body. We don't just memorise with our eyes; we memorise with our muscles, ears, and environment.
1. Muscle Memory (Kinesthetic) By assigning a distinct movement to each sound, we create a physical "hook" for the memory. This aids children who struggle to sit still, allowing them to "feel" the sound rather than just see it.
2. Auditory Linking Saying the sound while performing the movement reinforces the neural pathway between speech and motor control, strengthening phonemic awareness.
3. Place-Based Connection Featuring beautifully illustrated UK wildlife and iconic Bristol landmarks, these cards anchor abstract learning in the real world. Children light up when they recognise a local bridge or a familiar bird, creating an emotional connection that boosts memory retention.
Perfect for Neurodiverse & Dyslexic Learners
Traditional phonics can be frustrating for children with Dyslexia, ADHD, or sensory processing differences. This deck is an inclusive intervention tool:
Dyslexia Support: Multisensory learning (Visual + Auditory + Kinesthetic) is the gold standard for dyslexia support. These cards engage multiple senses simultaneously to help sounds "stick."
ADHD & Sensory Needs: Instead of suppressing the urge to move, these cards channel that energy into productive learning, providing the dopamine and sensory feedback the brain is craving.
What’s Included?
Complete Set 1 Phonics Sounds: The essential building blocks of reading.
4 Color-Coded Categories: Easily identify whether a card is for Balancing, Grounding, Calming, or Energising.
Guidance: Strategies derived from over a decade of SEN teaching experience.
Local Artistry: Stunning illustrations of Bristol and British nature that act as conversation starters.
Easy to use A6 size deck.
Give your child the tools to regulate their body and unlock their mind. Because when we move better, we learn better.
Unlock the power of movement to spark a love for reading.
Welcome to a new way of learning sounds—one that steps away from the desk and embraces the natural need to move. The Wild Bristol Reading and Regulation Cards are more than just flashcards; they are a multisensory toolkit designed to bridge the gap between emotional regulation and academic success.
Created by a former Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher with over 13 years of experience, these cards are built on the scientific truth that children need to move to learn. By combining Set 1 Phonics sounds with specific movements, local heritage, and sensory regulation strategies, we help children build a robust foundation for literacy that sticks.
The "Regulation First" Approach
Before a child can decode a word, their nervous system must be settled. Modern neuroscience tells us that a dysregulated child cannot access the "thinking" part of their brain (the prefrontal cortex).
These cards prioritize Regulation First. They are designed to help you determine exactly what your child’s body needs to reach that "ready to learn" state:
Balancing (Vestibular Input): For spatial awareness and focus.
Grounding (Proprioceptive Input): Deep pressure activities to organize the body.
Calming: Anxiety-reducing movements to soothe a busy mind.
Energising: Alerting actions to wake up a sluggish system.
How Embodied Learning Works
These cards utilise Embodied Cognition—the theory that our brain’s learning centres are intimately linked to our physical body. We don't just memorise with our eyes; we memorise with our muscles, ears, and environment.
1. Muscle Memory (Kinesthetic) By assigning a distinct movement to each sound, we create a physical "hook" for the memory. This aids children who struggle to sit still, allowing them to "feel" the sound rather than just see it.
2. Auditory Linking Saying the sound while performing the movement reinforces the neural pathway between speech and motor control, strengthening phonemic awareness.
3. Place-Based Connection Featuring beautifully illustrated UK wildlife and iconic Bristol landmarks, these cards anchor abstract learning in the real world. Children light up when they recognise a local bridge or a familiar bird, creating an emotional connection that boosts memory retention.
Perfect for Neurodiverse & Dyslexic Learners
Traditional phonics can be frustrating for children with Dyslexia, ADHD, or sensory processing differences. This deck is an inclusive intervention tool:
Dyslexia Support: Multisensory learning (Visual + Auditory + Kinesthetic) is the gold standard for dyslexia support. These cards engage multiple senses simultaneously to help sounds "stick."
ADHD & Sensory Needs: Instead of suppressing the urge to move, these cards channel that energy into productive learning, providing the dopamine and sensory feedback the brain is craving.
What’s Included?
Complete Set 1 Phonics Sounds: The essential building blocks of reading.
4 Color-Coded Categories: Easily identify whether a card is for Balancing, Grounding, Calming, or Energising.
Guidance: Strategies derived from over a decade of SEN teaching experience.
Local Artistry: Stunning illustrations of Bristol and British nature that act as conversation starters.
Easy to use A6 size deck.
Give your child the tools to regulate their body and unlock their mind. Because when we move better, we learn better.