Phonics

At Corfe Castle Primary School, we strive to give our pupils the very best start and teach phonics from the beginning of the Early Years. in establishing secure foundations in reading, right from Early Years.
 

We are passionate about creating fluent readers who develop a love of reading.

Daily phonic lessons take place in Key Stage 1 and the Early Years. We believe in a stage not age approach so that children are taught at a level they can access and be successful. 

Implementation

Skilled word Reading, involves the speedy working out of the pronunciation of unfamiliar printed words (decoding) and the speedy recognition of familiar printed words. To enable pupils to develop these skills effectively, they are taught a sequence of systematic synthetic phonics using the 'Little Wandle Letters and Sound Revised' Programme.

The provision of appropriately sequenced books, that practise what the pupils already know, develops confidence and fluency through automatic word recognition. The sequence also enables pupils to see the relationship between Reading and Spelling. Pupils develop secure oral blending and segmenting skills to help them blend to read and segment to spell as they progress through the programme. 

Our pupils enjoy daily phonics lessons as part of the 'Little Wandle' systematic programme; learning how to segment (sound talk) and blend words together as well as learning 'tricky words'. 'Tricky words' are words that can not be segmented and need to be just remembered. Pupils are taught in a stage not age approach to ensure they are well catered for and that their needs are being met. Catch up sessions are in place for any children who are falling behind. 

Wordless and then fully decodable books are sent home weekly to practice the phonics taught in school as well as practice sheets of the phonemes and graphemes that have been taught that week.

Click on the links below to find out more information about the Little Wandle programme and additional help with the phonic sessions.

For parents

Phase 2 information guide Autumn 1

Phase 2 information guide Autumn 2

Phase 3 information guide Spring 2

Links to handwriting

In the Reception year, children will be taught to read in print. We will show different representations of all graphemes and have 'catchphrases' to help children remember how to write them. When modelling letter formation, all letters are seen in isolation in years R-1 but will be modelled with a lead out. When teaching digraphs, these are shown as single letters and additionally modelled as a joined unit of sound to support/challenge all of our learners. This will enable children to be successful writers where others can read their writing and they are ready for joined handwriting in year 2.

Below is the letter formation sheet with all the catchphrases we use to practice forming their letters.

Phonics Screening Check

The phonics screening check is a quick and easy check of your child's phonics knowledge. It helps the school confirm whether your child has made the expected progress. The national phonics screening check was introduced in 2012 to all Year 1 pupils in the country.

How can I help my child?

There are a number of things that parents can do to support early reading skill development.

Let your child see you enjoying reading yourself – they are influenced by you and what you value!

Immerse your child in a love of reading: share books and magazines with your child, take them to the library to choose books and read to them.

Make time for your child to read school books to you regularly – encourage them by pointing to the words and ask them about the story they are reading. We recommend at least 4 times a week. If they do this your child will receive a golden ticket and a chance to win a book of their choice! 

Help your child to practise reading key words and sounds when these are sent home.

Communicate with your child’s teacher through their Home/School reading log.

Play games online at www.phonicsplay.co.uk and http://www.letters-and-sounds.com/