I agree wholeheartedly with yet another of Mike's observations.
In our talks and training events, our team has to work really hard to point out the difference between fit-for-purpose core and routine multi-sensory phonics activities for teaching and learning, and compare and contrast that with 'fun games and activities' which are 'extraneous'.
Sir Jim Rose praised age-appropriate 'multi-sensory activities' but also warned against 'extraneous activities' (Final Report, March 2006).
How many teachers are pre-occupied with the 'fun games and activities' dashing all over the classroom and outdoors type of phonics provision - avoiding the type of simple routines which are really effective - AND enjoyable!
There's nothing more enjoyable for children than feeling themselves learning - therefore they are experiencing success with its accompanying intrinsic satisfaction.
They know the routines and can even practise them independently some of the time.