Phonics
In September 2020, we started to teach phonics through the Read, Write Inc (RWI) programme. Phonic lessons are carried out each day. The children are taught according to their phonic knowledge; each child is taught to their specific need and is therefore able to reach their potential.
All of the children are assessed half termly to ensure progress is rapid. The children learn phonics through RWI until they are confident, fluent readers. The lessons are structured in order to maximise learning and this is achieved through a multi-sensory approach.
The children work in pairs or groups and within each lesson they are given activities to develop their knowledge of sounds, develop their fluency in reading as well their comprehension which in turn helpis them to transfer this knowledge in order to write in sentences.
The sounds are known as pure sounds and they are learned through the children repeating the sound modelled by the teacher. To help with letter formation, each sound is linked to a picture and a mnemonic. This helps them to remember the sound as well as write it.
We encourage a love of reading. To do this there are three steps to support your child on this journey:
- First read for decoding
- Second read for fluency
- Third read for comprehension
Please share books with your child as often as possible and encourage them to talk about what is happening. What, where, when why and how are always really good question starters to encourage more than a one-word answer. In order to further support your child with their sounds and reading and writing, the video below gives an overview of how the pure sounds are said.
Early Reading
Teaching of phonics is integral to the teaching of reading and although a major part, it is not the only thing we do. We have a range of reading books from which the children can choose. These are organised into colour bands, through which children progress as their phonic and comprehension skills develop. In addition to Letters and Sounds sessions, the children are taught by their teacher in what are called “guided reading” groups where teachers teach and assess children’s reading skills. Children are also free to borrow books from our school library.