Reading & Phonics

Reading

To teach reading and phonics we use (Letters and Sounds). All children begin in reception and it is then taught throughout KS1 during a focused daily phonics session alongside class teaching. Children are taught on their stage not their age.

We use different reading schemes at Belvoirdale. We have a large selection of Oxford Reading Tree and Tree Tops guided reading books as well as Collins Big cat reading books. Reading in school focuses on both individual reading books and structured guided reading sessions led by an adult. Children are encouraged to read with their parents on a daily basis and reading records signed accordingly. We have a wonderful library at Belvoirdale and children have a weekly lesson in the library and are able to take home appropriate books.

Phonics

Phonics is a way of teaching children to read quickly and skilfully. They are taught how to:

•  recognise the sounds that each individual letter makes;
• identify the sounds that different combinations of letters make - such as ‘sh’ or ‘oo’; and
• blend these sounds together from left to right to make a word.

Children can then use this knowledge to ‘de-code’ new words that they hear or see. This is the first important step in learning to read. Phonics is taught in a structured way with lots of opportunity for children to apply what they have learnt.

Year 1 children will undertake a phonics screening check in June. The purpose of the Year 1 phonics check is to confirm whether individual pupils have learnt phonic decoding to an appropriate standard. The results of the test will be reported to parents/carers in the summer term.

If your child does not reach the required standard then appropriate support will be put in place and they will retake the test in year 2. The test consists of 40 words. Children will read 20 pseudo words and 20 real words.

At Belvoirdale, we allow the children every opportunity to prepare for this phonics test, by exposing them to the format, and by providing them with phonics teaching through their daily phonics lessons.

Regular meetings are held with parents throughout the year for reception, year1 and year 2.

Please click on the links to find the information which is given out at these meetings.

Below are websites that will help support your child's phonics learning.

Phonics games websites

• Phonics play - http://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/
• BBC bitesize - http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks1/literacy/phonics/play/
• ICT games- http://www.ictgames.com/tellAtRex_v3.html
• BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/wordsandpictures/phonics/sandcastle/flash/fsgame.shtml

Spelling rules websites

• Scholastic - http://www.missmaggie.org/scholastic/fishemup2_eng_launcher.html
• Spelling Play - http://www.spellingplay.co.uk/

Where to find more information and resources

• Government website - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/2016-key-stage-1-assessment-and-reporting-arrangements-ara/section-7-phonics-screening-check
• Previous phonics tests https://www.sats-papers.co.uk/phonics-screening-check
• Alphablocks - http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/the-alphablocks-guide-to-phonics

Parents Phonics Information Pack November 2016

Phonics Screening Meeting 2017