Sheddingdean Learning to Read
Phonics and Early Reading
At Sheddingdean, we begin teaching phonics as soon as children begin school in Foundation stage (EYFS). We follow Ruth Miskin's 'Read Write Inc' phonics programme to teach the children the mechanics of reading.
The children participate in structured, daily lessons starting with Set 1 sounds in EYFS and progressing onto Set 2 and 3 sounds when they are ready. Teaching is carefully tailored to target the sounds that individuals in each group need to focus on. Readers are informally assessed continually and then formally assessed every six weeks so reading teachers can plan next steps and ensure each child is working at just the right level of challenge. We want our readers to both experience success in every session and to make good progress so they can become confident, fluent readers as quickly as possible.
Children have the opportunity to apply what they have learnt by reading 1:1 with an adult and in small groups at school. The children also bring home a 'book bag book' each week to read at home. These books include the sounds they are learning in their phonics groups so that they have the opportunity to practice and build on the knowledge they have encountered in school, at home.
Alongside the teaching of phonics we promote a love of reading by sharing a broad range of rich texts which encourage readers to want to read. Daily storytimes, introduce children to ideas and concepts from different times and places and to new vocabulary which deepens their understanding of the world.
Our readers visit our school library every week for a storytime and to select their own 'choosing book'.
Learning to read is our priority so that all children are have the necessary skills to read to learn at the earliest opportunity.
If you would like further information about the phonics programme we follow, including ideas for supporting your child reading at home, please click on the link below. Alternatively, if you would like to learn more about our reading curriculum please attend one of our information sessions for parents which are held in the autumn term, or speak to Jen Bennett, our English Leader by contacting the office on (office@sheddingdean.co.uk)
https://www.ruthmiskin.com/parents/