Phonics and Early Reading


Phonics and Early Reading  

At Carr Lodge, we value the importance of phonics as the prime approach to teaching decoding skills. It is essential that our approach to teaching phonics and reading is accessible to all learners, regardless of background. Our Phonics lessons are fast pace and engaging, but not distracting. Children are aware of the consistent routines and structure of a phonics lesson and they are aware of the expectations at each point in the lesson with repetitive and rewarding activities, that help secure prior learning and develop new learning. Effective and consistent classroom management strategies are in place to ensure no time is lost and children show high levels of engagement at every point in the lesson. With our rigorous planning and robust assessment processes, we ensure that all children make good progress in learning to read. Opportunities to apply Phonics and develop reading skills is also fundamental to our approach, ensuring we support children to become fluent readers with an appreciation of books and a love of reading.  

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. Children in Reception and Year 1 will have access to the following books at home: 

The Little Wandle decodable reading practice book is accessed at home via Collins E-books. This is the book the children have been reading in their teacher-led reading practise sessions and they can share their success at home. The children should be able to read this with some fluency. Class teachers will communicate with parents so you can search for the correct book on the app.  

Additional decodable book- This is an additional reading book that can be used at home to support the children with their reading practise. We use these books to give children an opportunity to engage with a physical book in additional to their E-book. 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. 

Class Library Books- In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The sharing book/class library book is what 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! 

 

Phonics and Early Reading Policy

Phase 2 Sounds taught in Reception, Autumn 1: 

Phase 2 Sounds taught in Reception, Autumn 2: 

Phase 3 Sounds taught in Reception, Spring 1: 

 

Information for Parents 

A quick guide to alien words:

How we teach tricky words: 

How we teach blending: 

 

Pronunciation guide Autumn 1

Pronunciation guide Autumn 2-1

Capital letters

Phase 3 grapheme information sheet