Early Reading and Phonics
Intent
At Pucklechurch Primary, we recognise reading as a key life skill, which underpins access to the rest of the curriculum. We aim for children to read words and simple sentences by the end of Reception, become successful, fluent readers by the end of Key Stage 1 and develop a lifelong love of reading as they move through school. At Pucklechurch we use Little Wandle throughout Early Years and Key Stage 1. Children need to learn key phonic knowledge and develop skills in segmenting and blending to complete the phonics check at the end of Year 1 and as part of developing fluency in reading. We also value and encourage pupils to read for enjoyment and recognise that this starts with the foundations of acquiring letter sounds, segmenting and blending skills – enjoying success and gaining confidence from a positive experience.
- By the end of Reception, the aim is for all children to have a secure understanding of Phases 2 and 3 and will beable to segment and blend words within these phases. Children are introduced to the ‘tricky words’ early in the Autumn term in Reception and aim to read and write the high frequency words for Phase 2 to 3 before they enter Year 1.
- The aim in Year 1 is to ensure all children have completed Phase 4 and 5 and be ready to begin the Essential Spelling programme upon entry into Year 2. We aim for all children to read and write all the common exception words for Year 1.
Implementation
Through Little Wandle, the children are taught the essential skills needed for reading. Phonics is taught daily to all children in Reception and KS1.Each phonics lesson includes the following elements:
- Revise – overlearn the previous graphemes and words
- Teach – introduce a new grapheme/words
- Practise – develop GPCs (grapheme phoneme correspondences)/read and spell new words
- Apply – use new graphemes/words in games and activities to secure knowledge
Impact
As a result of high quality phonics provision, children make good progress from their starting points. The vast majority are ready for the next stage in their education as they transfer through Early Years, Key Stage 1 and into Key Stage 2. Many children accelerate progress during these years from baseline below ARE to meeting expectations in phonics, reading and writing. Children enjoy listening to adults read and develop a love of reading, gaining satisfaction from their growing success in developing independence and fluency.
How to support your child at home
For more information visit the Little Wandle website:
https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/
Below is a grapheme mat, this displays phases 2,3 and 5. Children in reception, year 1 and year 2 will use this to support their phonic knowledge. There is a picture to match the phoneme and it also shows ‘grow the code’ which supports the understanding of alternative spellings.
Download: Grapheme_Mats_Phase_2_3_and_5