The teaching of phonics is now strongly embedded in early literacy teaching and early years settings, and it has been shown to be an important part of becoming literate. There is, however, significant concern about the formalizing of phonics teaching for very young children. So, what should we be focusing on in early years? What comes before this formal teaching? What do children need to know and experience to enable them to access phonics teaching with success? This book looks in detail at the knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes that children need to enable them to come to phonics teaching ready to learn and with a good chance of success. It explores a range of aspects of young children's learning and includes practical advice on how to translate this into practice.