2024 Updates to the Phonic Dictation Range

The Stage 1, 2 and 3 Phonic Dictation programs have undergone significant enhancements: 

Upgrade 1: Three Levels of Phonic Passages

Stage 1, 2 and 3 retain the long format, perfect for Tier 1 students. For those students requiring modifications, two reduced word-length passages have been created for each phonic passage. Refer to the examples below.

Upgrade 2: Additional Passages

Additional passages covering concepts such as prefixes, suffixes, high-frequency words, and homophones have been included in the APPENDIX section of each program.

Our First Writing Activities, closely linked to the Phonic Dictation range, has also been upgraded. More details can be found here.

Upgrade 1: Additional CVC Passages

Initial CVC passages have been modified to include Group 1 Sounds, Group 1 & 2 Alphabet Sounds and Group 1, 2 and 3 Sounds, before progressing to whole alphabet CVC passages.

Upgrade 2: Three Levels of Phonic Passages

Phonic Passages now offer THREE clearly differentiated passages, varying in word length, allowing for repeated reading and dictation.

For differentiation, the reduced word-length passages have been adjusted so that the first passage will often only be one sentence long, the second passage is two to three sentences, and the third passage is four to five sentences in length.

The Stage 4, 5 and 6 Phonic Dictation programs have been enhanced:

Upgrade: Additional Passages

Additional passages covering concepts such as prefixes, suffixes, and homophones have been included in the APPENDIX section of each program.

Is it necessary to upgrade programs?

• No. Earlier programs will still be effective, as long as schools are utilising Phonic Dictation programs that are relatively recent.
• Modified passages are especially useful for Tier 2 and Tier 3 students, who would benefit from modified phonic story passages. 

When will the upgraded programs become available?

• School Licences are always up-to-date, so no upgrading is required. As soon as the upgrades are implemented, they will instantly appear within the school licence versions.
• Depending upon the program, eBooks will become available between December 2023 and February 2024.
• Hard copy editions will be available from February 2024.

How can I compare the versions in the school and what is available through the PLD website?

• On each program listing page you will find a ‘PREVIEW BOOK’ button, allowing you to view the current editions and compare the existing programs in your school to the upgraded programs. 

Will PLD upgrade recently supplied hard copy Phonic Dictation programs?

• Schools that purchased Mfwa, Md1, Md2, Md3, Md1x or Md2x in Term 4 of 2023 (order date after 3/10/2023) are entitled to a free upgrade to the latest version.
• To claim your free upgrade, simply return the earlier programs to the PLD office, and upon receipt, the new versions will be posted free of charge.

Will PLD upgrade recently supplied Phonic Dictation eBooks?

• Schools that purchased Mfwae, Md1e, Md2e, Md3e, Md4e, Md5e, or Md6e in Term 4 of 2023 (order date after 3/10/2023) are entitled to a free upgrade to the latest version.
• To claim your free upgrade, simply email the reception with the school name and invoice number to mail@pld-literacy.org.
• Redemptions or upgrades will occur when the full set of requested ebooks are available.

What does PLD offer for Phonic Dictation programs purchased prior to October 2023?

• For programs purchased before October 2023, schools have the option to trade them in. For further information on PLD’s trade-in process, please visit this link: https://pld-literacy.org/resource-trade-in/