Phonics and Early Reading
Our aim at Brightside is for all children to become confident, fluent, lifelong readers. We put this aim into action as soon as children enter nursery where they learn the pre-requisite skills to reading through phase 1 Letters and Sounds.
When children begin reception, they are taught daily phonics programme called Read Write Inc (RWInc). These phonics lessons provide the children with the necessary skills to decode texts. This continues throughout year 1, and when appropriate in year 2. Ongoing assessment helps us to put additional support in place if we see that a child needs it. We ensure that children practice their phonic skills using decodable texts such as RWInc, and work hard to make sure that texts are matched to their phonics stage at school and at home. In addition to this, children receive daily reading lessons, where they use and apply their knowledge of sounds and words, learn new vocabulary and are taught comprehension skills. Teachers also plan reading across the curriculum so that they have as many opportunities as they can to use and apply their learning.
Each topic is based on a high quality text which serves as a 'Book for a Hook' and whole class reading and writing genres are based on this. Some examples of books include ‘The Great Explorer’, 'Ahh Spider!' and ‘That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown.’
Phonics progression
Progression in reading throughout EYFS and KS1
Common Exception Word progression throughout reception and KS1
Reading progression
Reading for enjoyment
We ensure that children are read to as much as possible at Brightside so that they develop a love for reading. All children across school listen to at least one story/text daily. To help promote this, we have an attractive reading area in every classroom and a school library where children can borrow books to read at home at pleasure. We strive to ensure that children at Brightside have access to a range of texts that depict a range of cultural backgrounds. We have a planned progression of texts throughout each year group which link to current topics.
Sooper Books - free audio and written reading materials
Reading at home
Reading at home is very important in supporting your child develop their early reading skills. We have decodable texts available for parents/carers to borrow to read with children home. Please see your child's class teacher and they will send a book how that is based on the set in phonics that your child is learning.
This link has more information for parents/carers about RWInc.
The Department of education has released some guidance in supporting your child to read at home. Click here for the link.
These videos below show how you can support your child in using phonics to learn to read. These are based in the RWInc programme used in school.
