Phonics
At Wheatcroft Primary School, we believe that all our children can become fluent readers and writers. This is why we teach reading through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, which is a systematic and synthetic phonics programme. We start teaching phonics in Nursery and follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised progression, which ensures children build on their growing knowledge of the alphabetic code, mastering phonics to read and spell as they move through school.
Reading practise sessions
Children across Reception and KS1 (and beyond if appropriate) apply their phonics knowledge by using a full matched decodable reading book in a small group teacher led reading practice session. These sessions are 15-20 minutes long and happen 3 times per week. The sessions follow the model set out in Little Wandle letters and sounds revised. The children will then bring this book home to share with their family. This book will be at the correct stage for your child and when they bring it home they should be able to read this book fluently and independently.
How to help at Home
We expect all of our children to read to an adult at home every day. Although your child will be taught to read at school, you can have a vital impact on their reading journey by continuing their practise at home. There are two types of reading book that your child will bring home in the early stages of learning to read:
A reading practice book
This will be at the correct phonic stage for your child. They should be able to read this fluently and independently (this is the book your child will have been taught in group reading sessions). 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.
A library book
In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The library 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!