Phonics and Early Reading
At Leamington Primary Academy our phonics and early reading scheme is used to ensure children can become fluent readers and writers.
We use the Little Wandle phonics scheme which is a systematic and synthetic approach. It gives children the skills needed to master reading and writing. Phonics starts in Foundation 1 and is taught daily throughout Foundation 2 and Year 1. The videos below show the way in which we say sounds and how blending and tricky words are taught. These children are also exposed to daily keep up sessions to ensure that their learning is secure. In Year 2, and beyond, children who need additional phonics sessions are in 'catch up' interventions. These are short sharp lessons that take place to fill gaps in individual children's learning.
Phase 2 sounds taught in Reception Autumn 1
Phase 3 sounds taught in Reception Spring 1
The phonics screening check is taken individually by all children in Year 1 in England. It is a government requirement which is designed to give teachers and parents information on how your child is progressing in phonics. It will help to identify whether children need additional support at this stage so that they do not fall behind in this vital early reading skill.
Early reading is an important part of the Little Wandle scheme and strongly links with the phonics sessions. Children read with adults to learn the foundation skills needed to explore text independently. Reading sessions in EYFS and Year 1 are composed of three practice sessions. These are decoding (applying knowledge of letter-sound relationships), prosody (using expression when reading) and comprehension (showing an understanding of the text).
There are many ways at home to help your child with phonics and reading. Focus on developing enjoyment and a love of reading. This can be achieved through sharing stories and discussing the plot and characters. As a family you may want to visit the library. Our local library is in the Idlewells Shopping Centre.
https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/reading-information/find-a-library/sutton-ashfield-library/
The videos below shows how to help teach your child to blend.
The videos below shows how to help teach your child to read tricky words.
In KS2 the use of regular assessments informs interventions that take place. These address any gaps in previous learning to ensure that the children’s phonetic knowledge is embedded. KS2 children are also taught through the Sounds and Syllables teaching sequence. Sounds & Syllables is a primary spelling programme that teaches all children in a simple but logical way how English spelling works.
Links to further DFE information
DFE Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/education/phonics
Phonics Screening Guidance