Early Reading and Writing

The government strongly recommend the use of synthetic phonics when teaching early literacy skills to children. Synthetic phonics is simply the ability to convert a letter or letter group into sounds that are then blended together into a word.

Our consistent and rigorous approach to teaching early reading enables children to master the key skills that research suggests is important early on. To do this, we follow the Read Write Inc. programme; this sets out a sequence of lessons that teaches children to read accurately and fluently with good comprehension. They also learn to form each letter, spell correctly and compose their ideas step-by-step.

Reading

Your child will:
• Learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letter/letter groups using simple prompts.
• Learn to read words using sound blending (Fred talk) e.g. c-a-t = cat, sh-o-p = shop.
• Read ‘red words’ these are words that have less common spelling patterns.
• Read lively stories featuring words they have learnt to sound out.
• Show that they comprehend the stories by answering 'Find It' and 'Prove It'.

Writing 

Your child will:
• Learn to write the letter/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds.
• Learn to write words by saying the sounds and graphemes (Fred fingers).
• Learn to write simple then more complex sentences.
• Compose stories based on story strips.
• Compose a range of texts using discussion prompts.

Talking

Your child will learn how to:
• Answer questions.
• Practise every activity orally.
• Take turns talking and listening to each other.
• Give positive praise to each other.

Home reading 

While your child is learning to read, they will be given the storybook that they have read in class so that they can practise re-reading it at home- this is done to help them build their confidence and fluency. They will also be given a ‘book bag book’ which will be an exciting text that they will be able to read themselves; this is because they will have learnt all the letters and ‘red words’ already in class, but you can offer some help if they need it. It is really important you listen to your child read at least three times a week. Finally, your child will be given an additional book; this book is for you to read to your child and is crucial for helping them to expand their vocabulary and develop a love for reading.

If you would like to know more about how your child is taught to read, or how you can support at home, ask to speak to our Reading/Phonics Leaders or click on the Parent Booklet links below.

Supporting reading at home

Please find below some useful video links that children can watch at home in order to help them develop their reading knowledge. 

Phonics vision

Information for parents