Phonics
At Beaupre, we use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised to plan and provide daily engaging phonics lessons. Little Wandle is a phonics scheme that “reflects the latest evidence-based understanding of how children learn … based on neuroscience, cognitive psychology and educational research”.
In phonics, we teach children that the letters of the alphabet represent different sounds, that these can be used in a variety of combinations and are put together to make words. We teach these sounds and combinations in a specific sequence that allows our children to build on their previous phonics knowledge and master phonics strategies as they move through school. Through this process, our children learn to recognise all of the different sounds and combinations that they might see when they are reading or writing. As a result, our children are able to tackle any unfamiliar words that they might discover.
At Beaupre we model these strategies in shared reading and writing, both inside and outside our phonics lessons. This includes reading as a class, one to one supported reading sessions with a Teacher/Teaching Assistant and reinforcing strategies by applying them in lessons across the Curriculum. This helps our children to use their knowledge regularly, reflecting Little Wandle’s Pillar of Learning dedicated to practising and consolidating learning.
This scheme is also supported by parents and carers through regular reading at home. Your child will be sent home with reading practice books, which are matched to your child’s reading level, as well as books to share with you. These books will help them develop fluency and confidence in reading. We encourage families to read with their children every day and embrace the practice of Reading for Pleasure to help support their development and improve their skills.
The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check
In Year 1, every child takes the nationally required Phonics Screening Check, an assessment that takes place annually in June.
This assessment is taken individually and is designed to give teachers and parents information on how your child is progressing in phonics. It will help to identify whether your child needs additional support at this stage, ensuring that they do not fall behind in this important early reading skill.
To support your child with their Phonics Screening Check, please continue to read with them daily, using the reading practice books that they bring home. We would also recommend practising at home with past papers, which we have included below.
More information and helpful resources are available via the links below, and on the Little Wandle website