Reading, Writing and Phonics

Reading, Writing and Phonics

Enjoying books and reading stories from a very early age is crucial in the development of children. It helps with their ability to understand words, use their imagination and develop their speech, as well as being something they really enjoy. Even from a very young age children love books.

Initially reading books will be wordless, please do not dismiss these as too easy and spend time daily looking at them with your child. Wordless picture books are great for encouraging a child's ability to infer what is happening in the story. With no words for guidance, they have to figure this out, using only the illustrations and their imagination. This not only develops comprehension but an overall understanding of story structure and plot.

Please spend time reading during the week. Either after school, over breakfast or at a time that suits your day. Reading must be recorded in the home reading diary at least 5 times a week. These books will be changed twice a week providing the children have had enough opportunity to read and re-read their given book.

At Hawridge and Cholesbury we use a phonics scheme called Read, Write, Inc. The whole class will begin this in their first few weeks at school. All children will have a 30 minute daily phonic lesson, each week the sounds that are taught during the week will be sent home so that you can work with your child. The reading books that are sent out later in the Autumn term link directly with the scheme so that the children can apply their learning with the reading books with the appropriate challenge.

In the Autumn term, parents are invited to a Phonics information morning where they can learn about the scheme we use, how it is delivered and how to support your child in their reading journey.

Useful Documents and Links -

-          Read, Write, Inc - Information for Parents and Carers

-          Handwriting Phrases

-          Fine Motor Activity Kit Booklet

-          100 picture books to read before you are 5