Phonics and Early Reading

At Kingsdown and Ringwould School, we are committed to the delivery of excellence in the teaching of Phonics. We understand the important role that phonics plays in enabling our children to become confident early readers and writers. Being able to read is the most important skill children will learn during their early schooling. We recognise that being able to read unlocks the rest of the curriculum for children and hugely impacts on their future achievements. It is our aim to encourage and support all children to enjoy reading so they can benefit academically, socially and emotionally. The use of phonics is one of the many skills needed to be able to be a reader and writer. We begin to teach high quality phonics within the first weeks of children starting in reception to ensure the children have the best start possible on their journey to becoming confident readers.

At Kingsdown and Ringwould School, we use the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme, which offers a secure, systematic approach to the teaching of phonics from the beginning of Year R to Year 2.  Children receive daily phonics lessons, which build on previous learning day on day to help them make rapid progress. Fully trained adults support children to apply their phonic knowledge three times a week in guided reading sessions. Reading books are closely linked to their phonic knowledge. This allows them to learn the skills needed to become fluent readers as well as developing their vocabulary and comprehension. 

It is our aim for all children to develop a love of reading. At Kingsdown and Ringwould, we love to read and share stories daily. This love of reading is also encouraged through the Little Wandle scheme as a vital element of learning to read. Children have access to a wide range of sharing books to enjoy at home with their family and we encourage families to visit the local library regularly and share what they have been reading outside of school with us and their friends. 

Max – "I am reading a sharing book called modern day explore it is about Steve Fosset – he was travelling the world in a hot air balloon he had four crashes and five set-offs. He crashed a lot in the Atlantic Ocean but he kept on trying until he went all round the world."

Poppy - “I enjoy lots of books at school I like reading with Mrs Stefaniuk.”

Dexter – "I like reading the swimming book the Little Wandle one. If I read it now I would read it without spelling it out."

Harry - "I really liked the reading groups when we did sounds and read lots of good books, now the guided reading book I have is called The Mouse Hall - lots of the pages have rhyming words on them."

Dexter - "When it was book day I was near Bear in the book parade and we looked at our books together - that was so fun."

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 practice at home.

There are two types of reading book that your child may bring home:

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.

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. We have lots of these within our school and are there to be read for pleasure. These can be taken home at any point and the children can have as many as they like.

Reading practice 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!

Pronunciation

https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/

Extra support can be found on the Little Wandle website.

https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/

What do Phonics and Early Reading look like at Kingsdown and Ringwould?

Phonics and Early Reading Policy