Lifting Foundations for Teaching in the Two Years Before School

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An evidence-informed, whole-preschool program strengthening phonological awareness and early literacy foundations through educator-led practice.

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What is The Soundmill LIFT™?

The Soundmill LIFT™ is an 8-week Tier 1 preschool program designed to strengthen phonological awareness in the two years prior to school. Phonological awareness — the ability to hear and work with the sounds in spoken words — is one of the strongest predictors of later reading and spelling success. The program is grounded in peer-reviewed research led by Dr Karyn Carson, Director of The Soundmill Centre, and has been adapted for practical preschool implementation.

 

What does the program include?

The 8-week cycle follows a clear developmental progression:

 

- Weeks 1–2: Syllable Awareness

Clapping, counting and segmenting words into beats.

- Weeks 3–4: Rhyme Awareness

Identifying and generating rhyming words through books, songs and games.

- Weeks 5–6: Beginning Sounds

Identifying first sounds in words and linking sounds to letters.

- Weeks 7–8: Final Sounds and Early Phoneme Skills

Identifying ending sounds and introducing early blending and segmenting.

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Each week includes:

• Two structured large-group story sessions (15–20 minutes)

• Interactive sound games and movement activities

• Daily embedded “micro-practice” within preschool routines

• Built-in differentiation for diverse learners

The program is embedded within shared reading and play-based experiences — not delivered as a separate formal teaching block.

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How is it delivered?

The Soundmill LIFT™ uses a collaborative, capacity-building model. The Soundmill Centre provides:

• 2-hour educator professional learning session

• 4 hours of in-preschool coaching across the 8 weeks

• 1-hour wrap-up and sustainability planning meeting

• Structured lesson guides and resources

• Ongoing implementation support and summary reporting

Educators deliver:

• Twice-weekly large-group sessions

• Daily reinforcement within existing routines

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Inclusion and Accessibility

The Soundmill LIFT™ is adaptable for:

• Children with additional communication or learning needs

• Neurodivergent children

• Culturally and linguistically diverse families

• Rural or regional services (via hybrid delivery)

All children participate within whole-group preschool learning time.

 

Availability

• Location: Southern Adelaide

• Delivery modes: In-person, online, or hybrid

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Interested in The Soundmill LIFT™?

If your preschool is seeking a structured, evidence-informed approach to strengthening early literacy foundations before school, we would love to connect.​​​​​​​