The world of phonics! If you are new this then it can feel very overwhelming in getting your head around this subject and really understanding it! Especially if you are wanting to try and help your child at home!
Hopefully this page will provide you knowledge and support to develop your understanding as a parent! But please remember we are available to ask in person if there is anything you want clarity on or further understanding of!
In a Nutshell...
The alphabet contains only 26 letters. Spoken English uses about 44 sounds (phonemes). These phonemes are represented by letters (graphemes). In other words, a sound can be represented by a letter (e.g. ‘s’ or ‘h’) or a group of letters (e.g. ‘th’ or ‘ay’). See the phonic glossary below for more info on the terms!
Once children begin learning sounds, they are used quickly to read and spell words. These skills are built on from Reception to Year 2 and beyond in order to help children read and write.
There are different sets of phonics that different year groups and abilities work through. See the progression of phonics for more information.
But most importantly...
Children have to build and develop lots listening and attention skills that enable them to hear sounds in words before learning what they look like! There is so much early reading done with our ears first, before our eyes! Please look at this document below which explains the process from the beginning.
Parental Links
A phonics and reading workshop is run at the start of each academic year for EYFS parents to explain:
- What phonics is
- What we do in school to support children’s phonics learning and early reading
- What they can do at home to help
Please click here for a copy of our Phonic Workshop for parents September 2022 https://reginaldmitchell.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Little-Wandle-Parent-Information-session-September-2022.pdf
At the end of the week a post will go onto your child’s Evidence Me explaining what they have learnt that week in reading and anything they may have particularly focused on will be shared and explained to practise at home using the Ebook.
In Year 1 and 2, children are sent home regular spellings which include sounds that they have previously learn't.
Parents and carers are informed as to whether their child has reach the ‘expected standard’ in their Phonics Screening Check. If they have not, then they will be told of the interventions and support that will be in place in year 2.
For more information about the phonics screening - click here.