Phonics and Reading
Phonics
We have chosen the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme because it closely aligns with our school’s belief that every child can become a confident, capable reader, and it sets high expectations for reading achievement from the very start. The programme goes beyond teaching children how to decode words; it places strong emphasis on developing reading fluency and comprehension so that children not only read accurately, but also understand and enjoy what they read. Little Wandle also provides clear guidance for specialist adaptations to ensure every child can succeed, including those with SEND. This includes tailored approaches to support children who are pre-verbal, have SEMH needs, or are hearing impaired, enabling us to provide inclusive, high-quality teaching for all learners.
When teaching phonics, it is important that each sound is pronounced clearly and accurately, as even small differences can make it harder for children to blend sounds together when reading. We teach pure sounds (for example, saying “mmm” rather than “muh”) so that children can successfully build words and develop confidence in their early reading. If you are ever unsure about how to pronounce a sound, we warmly welcome you to ask questions at any time and to attend the workshops and Welcome Wednesday sessions hosted at school to help you support your child. You can also watch helpful pronunciation videos using this link: https://www.littlewandle.org.uk/resources/for-parents/.
For any further information about how we teach your child using Little Wandle Phonics, please visit https://www.littlewandle.org.uk/resources/for-parents/#tabnametabHowWeTeach.
Nursery Rhymes
Nursery rhymes play a vital role in early phonics development because they help children hear and recognise patterns in sounds, such as rhyme, rhythm, and alliteration. Through repetition and playful language, they build listening skills, support memory, and lay strong foundations for reading and spelling. Please use this link to access video links to nursery rhymes that your child will learn in school so you can watch and sing together: https://www.littlewandle.org.uk/resources/for-parents/#tabnametabNurseryRhymesVideos.
Home School Reading Books
We encourage our children to read three times a week at home. Children take home two books.
Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1:
- Book 1 –An online e-book that matches the sounds that your child has been taught through their phonics teaching. The book will be changed online each Friday. Please listen to your child read this at least three times per week and record their reading in their Reading Record book.
- Book 2 – A book from the classroom library shelves. This book is to be read together with an adult to develop reading comprehension and a love of reading. There may be words and sounds in this book that are unfamiliar to the child.
Key Stage 2:
- Book 1 – A physical book that is matched to reading fluency and comprehension ability. This book is to be read by the child to develop their fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Please listen to your child read this at least three times per week and record their reading in their Reading Record book.
- Book 2 – A book from the library or classroom library shelves. This book is to be read independently or shared with an adult to develop reading comprehension, knowledge of authors and genres and a love of reading.
Key Stage 2 pupils who are receiving specific phonics intervention:
- Book 1 – An online e-book that matches the sounds that your child has been taught through their phonics teaching. The book will be changed online each Friday. Please listen to your child read this at least three times per week and record their reading in their Reading Record book.
- Book 2 – A book from the library or classroom library shelves. This book is to be read together with an adult to develop reading comprehension and a love of reading. There may be words and sounds in this book that are unfamiliar to the child.
For more information about Little Wandle home school reading books and how to support your child with reading at home, please visit
https://www.littlewandle.org.uk/resources/for-parents/#tabnametabBooksComingHome.
Reading
We teach decoding accuracy and fluency using the Little Wandle phonics scheme to build a firm foundation with books specifically matched to the sounds the children are learning. Once children are proficient in the use of phonics, they become independent readers. We continue to provide children with books carefully matched to their reading fluency and comprehension ability right up to the end of Year 6.
Children read individually and within groups across school on a daily basis, as part of teaching across the curriculum, specific phonics or book talk sessions or interventions. Every classroom has a reading area to encourage children to develop an interest in reading where a range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry texts are provided for children to choose from. E-books are also available to engage pupils in reading. Books linked to the topic of study at the time are included in displays and in the learning environments. Each class has a story or novel which is read on a daily basis.
Pupils have access to the school library where they may borrow books from a wide range of genres, which appeal to their interests. The library also has a selection of Dyslexia Friendly and larger print books.
We aim to promote a love of reading through engaging our pupils with a vast range of books and providing them with the necessary skills required to enjoy them. We also promote a love of reading through clubs, author visits, competitions and celebrating when the pupils read with rewards.
Parent Reading Workshop
Please see the link below of a recorded parent reading workshop delivered by Sarah Tipler, Senior Development Officer Community and Family Engagement, North Lincolnshire Council.
It is about sharing the importance of reading to children and listening to children read.
Imagination Library
Free books for children from birth to five years
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a 60 volume set of books. Each month a new, carefully selected book will be delivered to your home and addressed to your child. Best of all it is a free gift! There is no cost or obligation to your family.
The programme is available across the whole of North Lincolnshire. All children from birth to five years who live in North Lincolnshire are eligible to register.
Please follow the link below to register your child.