Phonics and Reading Schemes

At Bedfield we aim to ensure all our children become independent and fluent readers and writers. We teach reading through a carefully selected systematic and synthetic phonics programme.

We start teaching phonics in Reception and build on the children’s growing knowledge of the alphabetic code, mastering phonics to read and spell as they move through school.

We do this using the following key teaching features: direct teaching in frequent, short bursts; consistency of approach; secure, systematic progression in phonics learning; maintaining pace of learning; providing repeated practice; application of phonics using matched decodable books; and early identification of children at risk of falling behind, linked to the provision of effective keep-up support.

We have included a link to an overview of the phonics programme we follow so that you can see the progression of letters, sounds and tricky words that we teach term-by-term.

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

The link also gives you access to our grapheme information sheets explain how to say each of the Phase 2 sounds. These explain how to write each grapheme with correct letter formation as well.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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!

There are also some useful videos to be found on the Letters and Sounds website so you can see how we teach reading at school and the correct pronunciation of the phonemes. Please find the videos here: https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/

Our parents’ guide to phonics and early reading is designed to help you support your child on their journey to becoming a happy and confident reader.