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Whitewater CE Primary School

Whitewater CE Primary School

Phonics and Early Reading

Early reading simply means the stage of reading where children are learning to become fluent readers through the use of phonics. The government has recently introduced some new guidelines regarding the teaching of reading, which means there are some changes to the way that we teach phonics and reading.

The DfE have produced an approved list of Early Reading and Phonics Schemes which schools are required to buy into. As you are all aware, we have recently opted for Little Wandle Letters and Sounds. We are using these resources to teach phonics and reading predominantly from Year R through to Year 2, but into Key Stage 2 where needed. This means some changes in the books that the children will bring home to read and share with you. Each child will bring home a reading practice word bank and a sharing book.

Children will be using the Little Wandle Ebook library service and will also receive their new book on a Friday. The books will no longer be organised by colour book bands, instead reading books will match the phonics stage at which the child is working. Please do not be concerned if you feel that your child has started on a different colour than they had previously. The books have been reorganised to follow the new Little Wandle scheme.

The sharing book: If children are to become lifelong readers, it is essential that they are encouraged to read for pleasure. To help foster a love of reading, the children will also bring home a book that they can share and enjoy with their parents/carers, as well as their phonics ebooks. These books offer a wealth of opportunities for talking about the pictures and enjoying the story/information. Children may not be able to read this book independently. The book is for sharing and repeated reading will bring familiarity and enjoyment. Classes have a weekly library slot in order to change their books.

The reading diary: Parents are expected to hear their children read at home. You may also wish to let us know any other books that you have been reading with your child, either from home or the public library.

If you would like to know more about the teaching of early reading and phonics, you can find more information on our school website and the Little Wandle for Letters & Sounds revised website:

https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/