Most of the children have got word lists home with them in their bags - If time permits in the evening, after or before the children's reading, could the children try to read 10 of these words per night (one list) : )

This will help to familarise the children with the first 100/200 common words and increase their fluency in reading. 

If you feel that the sounds mat is still more appropriate for your child - this is fine!

Many thanks, 

Miss McFadden.