In phonics, we teach children that letters of the alphabet can represent different sounds (phonemes) that can be used in a variety of combinations and are put together to make words. The children learn to recognise all of the different sounds and combinations that they might see when they are reading or writing.
Our phonics teaching starts in Nursery and follows a very specific sequence that allows our children to build on their previous phonic knowledge and master specific phonic strategies as they move through school. As a result, our children are able to tackle any unfamiliar words that they might discover. At Eaton Park, we also model these strategies in shared reading and writing, both inside and outside of the phonics lesson and across the curriculum. We have a strong focus on the development of language skills for our children because we know that speaking and listening are crucial skills for reading and writing in all subjects.
How we teach phonics:
- In the Nursery, children follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised ‘Foundations for Phonics’ guidance. The focus is on daily oral blending and language development through high quality stories and rhymes.
- In Reception and Year 1, children follow the progression within the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme. Phonics is taught daily and there is a review session on a Friday and also review weeks each half term to consolidate learning.
- By the end of Reception, children will have been taught up to the end of phase 4.
- By the end of Year 1, children will have been taught up to the end of phase 5.
- In Year 2, children who are ‘On-Track’ complete Little Wandle Phase 5 Review to further consolidate knowledge and application.
- Any children who are not working ‘on-track’ in Year 2, take part in the Rapid Catch- up programme to help them catch-up quickly.
- Older children who require additional support also take part in the rapid-catch up programme where needed to address gaps.
Reading practice sessions:
- Children across Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 (and beyond if appropriate) apply their phonics knowledge by using a fully matched decodable reading book in a small group reading practice session.
- These sessions are 15 minutes long and take place three times a week.
- The sessions follow the model set out in Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised and allow the children to consolidate their learning in phonics lessons. The reading sessions also help to develop fluency when reading.
- The take home the decodable reading book they have read at school within their reading practice sessions that week.
- It is an expectation that children read at home a minimum of four times per week.
Little Wandle Fluency
- Once children in Year 2 are ‘on-track’ at the end of Phase 5, set 5, they progress to the Fluency programme.
Fully Decodable Books
- We support the children’s application of phonics by matching their school and home reading books to the sounds that they know.
- Children should be able to read their book with 90% fluency and should not be reading at ‘frustration level’.
- The books have been written to match the order in which grapheme−phoneme correspondences are introduced in the Little Wandle phonics programme
- Each unit of Little Wandle Phonics links with a series of decodable texts. These are designed to give children the opportunity to practise their blending skills and to consolidate their knowledge of grapheme−phoneme correspondences, in the context of engaging texts.
- Teachers show parents how they can practise reading sounds and words and listen to their children read decodable books during ‘Phonics Information meetings’ and ‘Watch Me Learn sessions’.
- Children who are just beginning to learn the letter/sound correspondences are learning at the same time to tell stories using books which do not have words to begin with. This is crucial in the development of spoken language and vocabulary and it is a necessary stepping stone towards becoming an accomplished reader and writer.
How do we assess phonic knowledge?
- In Reception and Year 1, at the end of each week there is a review session, which recaps the learning. There are also whole review weeks (pre-planned and bespoke review weeks to address gaps identified by the class teacher’s ongoing formative assessment).
- Children who are at risk of falling behind the programme are identified and daily ‘keep up’ sessions are put in place – sessions follow the Little Wandle programme.
- In Reception and Year 1 children are assessed at the end of every half- term using the Little Wandle assessment tracker.
- Any children who are not ‘on-track’ are assessed every 3- weeks to closely monitor their progress.
- Year 1 children also take part in the Phonics Screening Check in the summer term.
Early reading experts:
Eaton Park Academy have developed sufficient expertise in the teaching of phonics and reading. Every member of staff is fully trained in our academy’s phonics programme. Staff are experts in teaching systematic, synthetic phonics and have a clear understanding of how pupils learn to read. They ensure that children are given quality lessons and daily opportunities to practise phonics and reading through whole class shared reading, paired reading and guided reading with an adult. There are also regular opportunities for children to read on an individual basis. Teachers, teaching assistants and all teachers who are new to the school are given CPD to ensure staff are well trained and knowledgeable. Leaders work closely with all staff to ensure that they continually develop their practise.
If you are a parent and would like more information about how to support your child with phonics at home, please follow this link to find the Reception and Year 1 overview as well as videos of the sound pronunciations, letter formation sheets and other helpful resources.
https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/
https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/
Watch our Little Wandle parent/carer information session here:
