How we teach phonics at Holtsmere End Infant and Nursery School
Little Wandle Letters and Sounds
At Holtsmere End Infant and Nursery School, we use the 'Little Wandle Letters and Sounds' systematic synthetic phonics programme (SSP).
This is a fully comprehensive programme where children start learning single letter sounds in the autumn term of their Reception year and it builds in progression throughout the year and Year One, preparing children for the statutory phonics screening that takes place at the end of year 1.
Phonics is taught every day and children learn to apply their phonics skills in reading practice sessions 3 times a week, developing their fluency and comprehension skills along the way.
Here is the link to the 'For Parents' section of the Little Wandle website. https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/
The resources on this page will help you support your child with saying their phonemes (sounds) and writing their graphemes (letters). There are also useful videos so you can see how your child is taught at school and how to pronounce the sounds, to be able to confidently support their reading at home.
Please click on the links below
Autumn 1 Pronunciation guide
Little Wandle Sounds and Tricky Words - Phase 2
Little Wandle Sounds and Tricky Words - Phase 3
Reading at home with your child - Please click on the link below and the 'Books coming home' tab for a useful video to help you
https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/
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!
