First Phonics
The new activity First Phonics replaces the three activities developed in Flash: First Sounds, First Blends and First Words. The same words and pictures are included in the exercises, which range from initial sounds, to digraphs and blends, to whole words.
Legacy Flash versions of First Sounds, Blends and Words can be found further down this page.
Letter and Number Formation
This new version of Letter and Number Formation is suited to Interactive White Boards. It lets you choose where on the screen the character is traced. You can watch the animation at varying speeds, trace in the air or on the IWB. It also works with tablets.
Speller 2
Speller has has been renewed to avoid restrictions on Flash. It now has the option to speak words; this can be used to check the word or as a spelling test prompt. It is a complete school, UK English spelling scheme. The sections have been renamed and re-ordered to better fit with the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. Download printable record sheets.
Downloadable Activities
Note: The activities below were developed in Adobe Flash. As Flash is no longer in use worldwide, if you wish to continue to use these activities, you will need to download the Doorway Activity Pack. It’s free to use at home or in school.
First Blends
Practise spelling short words containing blends, such as ‘br’ and digraphs, such as ‘ai’. There are 60 words to choose from, each with its own image and speech support. On-screen keyboard and scanning options are available.
First Sounds
Identify the first sounds in words. Users see and hear the word before attempting to pick the starting sound using the keyboard. Pressing the keyboard allows the user to hear the letters and diagraphs. Choose from 56 words, starting with vowels, consonants and the digraphs “ch”, “th” and “sh”.
First Words
Practise spelling simple words. Choose from 60 words targeted at the Early Level of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. Users look at the image and listen to the word being said before spelling, using their keyboard or the on-screen keyboard.