PHONICS
We use Floppy's Phonics to structure our phonics teaching.
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Initially children's listening skills are developed through the use of music, environmental sounds and rhyme. During their journey through the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 they are taught the 44 phonemes (sounds) that make up all the sounds required for reading and spelling. These phonemes include those made by just one letter 'b as in bed' and those that are made by two 'ai as in rain or three letters 'igh as in high'.
Children are taught the key skills of blending sounds together for reading and segmenting (breaking up) words for spelling.
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As the children grow in confidence and experience, they are introduced to alternative ways of representing the same sound, eg 'ee' can be represented as 'ee, as in bee', 'ea as in tea', 'e-e as in theme' and 'e as in we'. They also learn when to apply simple spelling rules and use verbs in the correct tense.
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We ensure that our teaching of phonics is rigorous, structured and enjoyable. In Reception to Year 2, children have discrete, daily phonics sessions where they are introduced to new phonemes, explore, practise and revise previous learning and have plenty of opportunities to apply the knowledge they have.
We use a range of multisensory strategies to enthuse and engage the children, including the use of interactive whiteboards, magnetic letters, speaking and listening, songs, rhymes and practical activities. Children work with pace and are encouraged to apply their knowledge across the whole curriculum.
Reading
Being a confident reader; understanding what is read and being able to read to acquire new knowledge has a direct impact on our children’s skills for not only the next stage of their education but also their future life opportunities. Individual reading books are colour banded in accordance with the Oxford Reading Tree scheme so that home reading books can be selected appropriately for pupils to practise their reading skills independently. Reading becomes an integral part of classroom learning opportunities and children are encouraged to respond to texts on a personal level.
Phonics documents |
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Phonicsbloom |
Phonicsplay |
Oxfordowl |
St Albans Floppy Phonics Sound mats |
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