At Donington on Bain, we follow the Little Wandle, Letters and Sounds Revised SSP (Systematic Synthetic Phonics Programme).
Children in Reception begin phonics lessons as soon as they start school. We work through phase 2, 3 and 4 in EYFS and then phase 5 in Year 1.
Children in both year groups are taught by fully trained staff with each year group being taught separately according to the phase they are studying.
Children read a book at their level, focusing on different skills: decoding, prosody and comprehension. This book is then taken home to read.
Why learning to read is so important
How children learn to read
Reading fully decodable books
The role of Parents’ and Carers’
Supporting your child with reading
Although your child will be taught to read at school, you can have a huge impact on their reading journey by continuing their practice at home.
There are two types of reading book that your child may bring home:
A reading practice book. This will be at the correct phonic stage for your child. They should be able to read this fluently and independently.
A sharing book. Your child will not be able to read this on their own. This book is for you both to read and enjoy together.
Reading practice book
This book has been carefully matched to your child’s current reading level. If your child is reading it with little help, please don’t worry that it’s too easy – your child needs to develop fluency and confidence in reading.
Listen to them read the book. Remember to give them lots of praise – celebrate their success! If they can’t read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together.
Sharing book
In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The sharing book is a book they have chosen for you to enjoy together.
Please remember that you shouldn’t expect your child to read this alone. Read it to or with them. Discuss the pictures, enjoy the story, predict what might happen next, use different voices for the characters, explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun!
Families are invited to visit the parent section of the Little Wandle website for more information.
https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/