Phonics and Reading

Our school has chosen Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised as our systematic, synthetic phonics (SSP) programme to teach early reading and spelling.

Following on from the Phonics Meeting for Parents and Carers. Please find below additional information regarding the Little Wandle Phonics scheme.

Why learning to read is so important

Reading is essential for all subject areas and improves life chances.
Positive attitudes to reading and choosing to read have academic, social and emotional benefits for children.

How we teach children to read:

Recognise the grapheme for individual phonemes
Learn to say the phonic sounds.
Blend phonic sounds to read words.
Increasing the child’s fluency in reading sounds, words and books.

Reading fully decodable books

Children must read books consistent with their phonic knowledge.
Books are fully decodable and follow the Little Wandle Scheme
Children need to read books in a progressive sequence until they can decode unfamiliar words confidently.

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 will bring home:

An EBook. This will be at the correct phonic stage for your child. They should be able to read this fluently and independently. If they can’t read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together. Please listen to your child read this and celebrate your child’s success at reading!
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 at home encourages a love of books, along with developing vocabulary and discussion. Please use voices, expression, discuss unfamiliar vocabulary, talk about the pictures, and predict what might happen next.