A "Phonogram" is either one letter or a set combination of letters which represent one or more single "voiced" sounds in a given word.

The 72 phonograms are the 26 alphabet letters and 46 multi-letters consisting of 2-4 letters. Each Phonogram has 1-6 single sounds.

The 72 Phonograms are:

a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, qu, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, z, sh, ee, th, ay, ai, ow, ou, aw, au, ew, ui, oy, oi, oo, ch, ng, ea, ar, ck, ed, or, wh, oa, oe, er, ir, ur, wor, ear, our, ey, ei, eigh, ie, igh, kn, gn, wr, ph, dge, tch, ti, si, ci, ough, gu

The 72 Phonograms with Easy-to-Learn Keyword Captions

For fast accurate reading it is vital to know the phonogram’s sounds in the order of use frequency. The phonogram illustration with its “keyword” caption depicts the sound sequence of the phonogram. This is an easy-to-learn memory device, which is easily and quickly learned, never to be forgotten. Without this knowledge reading and spelling are very difficult.

 Single-letter phonograms and keyword captions that say 1 single sound:

Single-letter phonograms and keyword captions that say 2 to 4 single sounds:

Multi-letter phonograms and keyword captions that say 1 single sound:

Multi-letter phonograms and keyword captions that say 2 to 6 single sounds:

Products for the 72 Orton Phonograms

The 72 Orton Phonograms are the primary phonics codes for the English language and the “phonics platform” needed by all readers and writers of English.

Teach Phonemic Awareness with the phonograms that say the 45 individual sounds (phonemes)  heard in English speech. Phonemic awareness is the knowledge that spoken words are made up of these tiny segments of sounds; literally “sound” awareness, and is the understanding that words are made up of sounds and being able to hear, recognize, break apart and manipulate the individual sounds that make up syllables and words (explicit phonics)

These products are available in the programs and as separate sales (see below). The separate sales include Teaching Instructions which consist of: 1) How to Teach Manuscript Writing. 2) 3-line Writing Paper master with 3/8” spaces with a dotted mid-line; 3) How to Teach the Phonogram Flash Cards and Phonogram Sheets with Illustrations & Captions. 4) 72 Orton Phonograms Sound Sequences, Dialogues & Captions List.

These phonogram products may be used with any language arts program.

 Flash Card Phonogram Pack (Y04A)

The phonogram cards have one very large, black, bold lettered phonogram on the face to show to the students.The back has the pronunciation keywords, the teaching dialogue between the black lines and the illustration and keyword caption device that depicts the phonogram’s sound sequence. The cards are printed on heavy 100# white gloss card stock, precut 4 ¼” x 5 ½”. Use for classrooms and one-to-one teaching and learning in schools and homes for everyone. (Included in programs Y01A, Y02A & Y02B.)

The face of the cards have one big, bold, black phonogram.

The "tch" is a three-letter phonogram which represents one "voiced' sound.

The "y" is  a one-letter phonogram which represents four single "voiced" sounds. 

The "ey" is a two-letter phonogram which represents two single "voiced" sounds.

Click on the image to view a larger illustration.

Phonogram Sheets  with Illustrations & Keyword Captions (Y02B)

Use for coloring, handouts, wall charts and other uses.

The 72 phonograms are placed two on each side of the Phonogram Sheet. Each includes the phonogram, illustration, sound sequence, dialogue and keyword caption. They may be used to learn the phonograms, for drill, for coloring for elementary students, as handouts for middle through college and other students, for a DVD or CD teaching companion, to display as wall charts and other uses. Use in classrooms and for one-to-one teaching and learning in schools and homes for everyone. The Phonograms Sheets consist of 18 reproducible masters printed on double-sides. They may be copied on single-side or double side. (Included in program Y01A- Reproducible Masters Packet)

Click on the image to view a larger illustration.

To Purchase the Products of the Orton Phonograms alone or in programs see: