A hands-on way to build words and letter recognition

The Alphabet Word Work Student Set is a magnetic letter and word-building resource from Learning Resources that helps children aged 4 and over practise letter recognition, phonics and early word building. It gives dyslexic learners and children with wider SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) a structured, multisensory way to practise skills that many find hardest to build through reading and writing alone.

How it helps

The set includes a magnetic dry-erase tray with a contained rim, so letters stay in place during practice rather than sliding off the work surface. The single-colour magnetic lowercase letters, including duplicates of frequently used letters, let children build words letter by letter rather than writing them freehand, taking the pressure off handwriting while the focus stays on sounds and spelling patterns. The letters are correctly proportioned to help prepare children for handwriting later on, and the set is described by the manufacturer as aligned with Science of Reading principles.

For schools

• Suitable for Early Years and Reception classrooms, and useful as a phonics intervention resource for older pupils working on foundational literacy.
• Supports SEND provision and EHCP targets around letter recognition, phonics and early spelling.
• The contained tray keeps letters organised during small-group or one-to-one sessions, reducing time lost to tidying up.
• A practical, reusable resource for whole-class phonics stations as well as targeted SEND support.

For parents and home use

• Gives parents a structured, low-pressure way to practise letters and early words with their child at home.
• Removes the handwriting barrier so a dyslexic child can focus on sounds and spelling rather than pencil control.
• Suitable from age 4, making it a useful early step into reading and spelling practice.
• The magnetic tray and letters can be reused for repeated practice without buying replacement materials.

Supporting dyslexic learners and children with SEND

Dyslexic children often find it harder to match letters to sounds and to hold spelling patterns in mind while also managing handwriting. The Alphabet Word Work Student Set separates these skills out: children build words by placing letters rather than writing them, which can make phonics and spelling practice feel more achievable. The same multisensory, hands-on approach also benefits children with broader SEND who need extra repetition and a concrete way to practise early literacy skills.

A simple, repeatable resource

Whether used for a five-minute phonics warm-up in a classroom or a few minutes of word-building practice at home, the Alphabet Word Work Student Set gives children a consistent, reusable way to build confidence with letters and early words.

• Magnetic dry-erase tray with a contained rim keeps letters in place during practice.
• Single-colour magnetic lowercase letters, including duplicates of frequently used letters, support word-building without needing to write freehand.
• Correctly proportioned letters help prepare children for handwriting later on.
• Activity mats support structured, guided practice alongside the letters.
• Described by the manufacturer as aligned with Science of Reading principles.
• Suitable for children aged 4 years and over; contains small parts and carries a choking hazard warning for children under 3.
• Brand: Learning Resources, item number 97831.

• Takes the pressure off handwriting. Magnetic letters let dyslexic children build words by placing letters rather than writing them freehand.
• Keeps letters organised during practice. The tray's contained rim stops pieces sliding away during classroom or home sessions.
• Built around reading science. Learning Resources describes the set as aligned with Science of Reading principles for phonics and letter recognition.
• From a recognised education brand. Learning Resources is a well-established supplier of hands-on learning equipment used widely in UK schools and homes.

What's in the Box

• Magnetic Activity Tray with contained rim
• Single-colour Magnetic Lowercase Letters, including duplicates of frequently used letters
• Activity Mats

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

Safety and Age Suitability

Suitable for children aged 4 years and over. Contains small parts and presents a choking hazard; not suitable for children under 3 years.

• What is the Alphabet Word Work Student Set?
  The Alphabet Word Work Student Set is a magnetic letter and word-building resource from Learning Resources that helps children practise letter recognition, phonics and early word building. It is designed for children aged 4 and over and is suitable for both classroom and home use.
• Is the Alphabet Word Work Student Set suitable for dyslexic children?
  Yes, the Alphabet Word Work Student Set can support dyslexic children by letting them build words with magnetic letters rather than writing them freehand. This takes the pressure off handwriting so children can focus on matching sounds to letters and building spelling patterns.
• How does the Alphabet Word Work Student Set support children with SEND?
  The Alphabet Word Work Student Set supports children with SEND by offering a hands-on, multisensory way to practise letter recognition and early word building. The contained tray and magnetic letters make repeated practice easier for children who need extra reinforcement.
• Can the Alphabet Word Work Student Set be used in a classroom setting?
  Yes, the Alphabet Word Work Student Set is well suited to Early Years and Reception classrooms, phonics stations and small-group SEND intervention sessions. The contained tray helps keep letters organised during group use.
• Is the Alphabet Word Work Student Set suitable for use at home with my child?
  Yes, the Alphabet Word Work Student Set works well at home, giving parents a structured way to practise letters and early words with their child. The magnetic pieces are reusable, so there is no need to buy replacement materials.
• What age is the Alphabet Word Work Student Set suitable for?
  The Alphabet Word Work Student Set is suitable for children aged 4 years and over. It contains small parts and is not suitable for children under 3 due to a choking hazard.
• What is included in the Alphabet Word Work Student Set?
  The set includes a magnetic activity tray with a contained rim, single-colour magnetic lowercase letters including duplicates of frequently used letters, and activity mats to support guided practice.
• Is the Alphabet Word Work Student Set based on any particular reading approach?
  Yes, Learning Resources describes the Alphabet Word Work Student Set as aligned with Science of Reading principles, supporting phonics and letter recognition skills.