Phonics

What is 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 different combination of letters make- such a oo or sh ; and
• blend sounds together from left to right to make a word.

Children can use this knowledge to 'de-code' new words that they hear or see.  This is the first important step in learning to read.

At All Saints we use the Read, Write Inc scheme to support out teaching of phonics.  Children have daily lessons taught in small ability groups.  Each week they share a book which they are encouraged to read daily to build confidence and fluency.  Children receive a similar book to take home to read with parents to consolidate learning and help parents track their development.

Why phonics?

Research shows that when phonics is taught in a structured way- starting with the easiest sounds and progressing through to the ,most complex- it is the most effective way of teaching young children to read.  It is particularly helpful for children aged 5-7.

Almost all children who receive good teaching of phonics will learn the sk8ills they need to tackle new words.  They can then go on to read any kind of text fluently and confidently, an read for enjoyment.

What is the phonics screening check?

The phonics screening check is a national test set for all schools in England.  It is a quick and easy check of your child's phonological knowledge. It helps confirm whether your child has made the expected progress.  The check takes place during Year 1 towards the end of the year in June.

The check will contain a mix of real and 'alien words'.  Your child will be used to reading real and non-real words.  Children can not read the alien words by memory and requires your child to demonstrate their decoding skills.  This is a fair way to assess their ability to decode.