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Reading and Phonics at Key Stage 1

We believe that reading and writing skills form the foundations for much of the learning we do throughout the school. In KS1 the children follow the Read Write Inc. Phonics program, which teaches them to recognise sounds and to blend them together in order to read new words. We aim to instil a passion for books and foster a real love for reading right from the start. We do this by ensuring that a range of colourful and exciting texts are available within each class and are shared daily. All classrooms have welcoming book corners with books that reflect the interests of the children within the class.

Reading and phonics is taught daily across all of key stage one using the Read Write Inc programme in Reception and Key Stage 1. This programme includes a systematic and dynamic whole-school approach to teaching phonics.

The success of the Read Write Inc programme has been referenced in 'HMI Ofsted report Reading by six; How the best schools do it, use Read Write Inc. Phonics.' Please click the links to find out more. 

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/reading-six-how-best-schools-do-it
http://www.oup.com/oxed/primary/rwi/

 

The children also have two ways to practice their reading at home.

  • Read, Write, Inc books  bright, illustrated short story books set at the children’s individual level so they can practice reading with success.

  • Bug Club We are part of an online subscription for children to read books online and play phonics games. All children are given a password at the beginning of reception to enable children to log on and read books at their level- teachers update these books regularly to ensure children are being challenged appropriately.

Guided reading

  • Guided reading sessions happen daily across key stage one. Children read a book in a small group with a teacher and they practice key skills for example; reading for meaning and answering questions about characters.

Phonics Sessions

All children have 15 minutes focused phonics teaching everyday. Children are split into smaller groups which are pitched at their level. We aim to make phonics sessions really engaging and fun and teachers use a range of games and resources to ensure all children are involved. We play interactive whiteboard games using websites like:

We also play a range of active games which reinforce and teach the sounds that letters make when we read and write.

We run phonics information sessions for parents every year and all teachers are happy to discuss strategies with parents who have concerns.

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