This article was originally written by Eudcation Posts Forum member Kat2 in March 2009. As we are coming up to the start of the 2012-13 year, I have edited the article to explain how to download and add the Jolly Phonics font to a teacher’s computer.

The Jolly Phonics programme is one of the most popular programmes in Ireland for teaching children phonological skills. As well as reading, children are also taught how to write using the programme but it’s very difficult to find the font (type of writing) and there is no equivalent on a PC – Comics Sans Serif is the closest but isn’t quite right. The font itself is called Sassoon Primary.

The bad news is that this font is not free.  Below are some that I have found so see if you can beat the prices I’ve found!

• ClubType – from ST£15
• Fonts.com – from US$25
• Paratype – from US$35

Once you have downloaded your font, it’s time to get it on to your computer. This is the set of instructions for Windows computers.

1. Close any programs that might need to use the font, e.g. MS Word
2. Unzip the file that you downloaded, if necessary
3. Open up your “My Computer” and find the “Fonts” directory and have this open. This can be done using the search function.
4. In another window open up the folder where your unzipped font files are.
5. Drag and drop the files into the Fonts folders
6. You’re good to go!

Here is the downloadable Anseo Guide to the Jolly Phonics Font.

Jolly Phonics kat2