
TO SEE YOU
LOVELY
Looking back, the idea behind Phonics Friends was always there -
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I was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home dad during my son’s early years, and it was during this time that I realised -
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Having come from a corporate planning, performance & change background, I realised that getting dressed, popping to the shop, and later on, the nursery / school runs offered fantastic opportunities for learning.
woven into the little, everyday moments that I turned into opportunities for learning.
just how much learning happens in the smallest of moments.
Suspected of having ADHD as a child and later diagnosed as a young adult, I've never really lived life any other way than with a combination of energy and creativity, always making learning of any kind exciting and enjoyable. When James was little, I stuck felt letters to everything: 'teeth' on the bathroom mirror, 'chair' on his highchair, 'door' on, well, the door.
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There were letters on lunchboxes, toy boxes, books, cupboards - even in the fridge I labeled the milk and cheese. From time to time the family greyhounds (and if you know greyhounds, they didn't object) were victims of my label learning. I was able from the breakfast table to bedtime stories to weave phonics into the day without it ever feeling like 'learning'.
James is now nine years old and the learning habits we crafted together continue to hold strong. I've always had ideas about sharing this concept with a wider audience, believing it could benefit so many children.
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For years, these ideas have been bubbling away in the background, but for one reason or another, they never quite took shape. Now, with the time and capacity to fully dedicate myself, I'm finally able to bring Phonics Friends to life and share my vision with the world.
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From James Jaguar to Helen Horse and the honorably named Zena Zebra (after his grandma), my lovable characters promote interest and confidence in young children, turning everyday routine into fun and interactive learning processes.
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And, of course, comfort and quality is an absolute must. Each piece is thoughtfully designed with comfort and durability in mind, using soft, high-quality combed ring-spun cotton that feels gentle against our children’s delicate skin.
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So whether it's Playtime at the Park or Loafing in the Living room, learning occurs organically - not through stress, but rather through enjoyment.
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Thanks for joining me on this journey; let's have fun while learning!
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Much Love
Craig x