Phonics and Early Reading

How do we teach reading?

Phonics is how we teach children to read. As a federation, we use the "Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised" program of teaching- A DfE accredited program with fantastic results

What does it sound like?

Each letter (grapheme) is read as a sound (phoneme). How to pronounce each sound clearly is really important.

These three videos show you how we teach the children to pronounce the sounds. The red buttons take you to pronunciation guides for each sound- identical to the ones we use in school. Notice how the children don’t add an ‘uh’ sound at the end, so they say: ‘t’ not ‘tuh’. Use the downloadable information to help your child remember how to write their letters and say their sounds.

Clicking below will open pronunciation guides.

These documents show the letter, then sound it makes and how we teach children to recognise it.

 
 

What books will they read?

Supporting your child with reading

Although your child will be taught to read at school, you can have a huge impact on their reading journey by continuing their practise at home. There are two types of reading book that your child may bring home:

  • A reading practise book. This will be at the correct phonic stage for your child. They should be able to read this fluently and independently.

  • A sharing book. Your child will not be able to read this on their own. This book is for you both to read and enjoy together.

Reading practise book

This book has been carefully matched to your child’s current reading level. If your child is reading it with little help, please don’t worry that it’s too easy – your child needs to develop fluency and confidence in reading.

Listen to them read the book. Remember to give them lots of praise – celebrate their success! If they can’t read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together.

Sharing book

In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The sharing book is a book they have chosen for you to enjoy together.

Please remember that you shouldn’t expect your child to read this alone. Read it to or with them. Discuss the pictures, enjoy the story, predict what might happen next, use different voices for the characters, explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun