Teaching phonics is recognised educationally as an essential part of the teaching of reading and writing. The Macmillan English Explorers Phonics Reading Series is a systematic, clearly defined and structured book by book progression of phonics teaching that is in line with the existing Phonic Workbooks from the Macmillan English Explorers series. The phonic focus is set within the context of a story to ensure that reading for meaning is retained. Popular and familiar characters from the series can be found along with the introduction of new contexts and characters. Detailed Teacher's Notes show how to focus on letters and sounds to support pronunciation, reading and spelling.