Phonics and Early Reading

What is phonics?

Phonics is a way of teaching children how to read and write. It helps children hear, identify and use different sounds to blend words together and read them, for example, c-a-t.

Evidence shows that teaching phonics is the best way to teach children to read.

High quality daily phonics sessions take place, as soon as your child starts Reception. This involves pupils gaining and understanding of the connection between letters and sounds, as well as the skill of blending the individual sounds together to read.  Our aim is that all pupils will be able to read words and simple sentences accurately by the time they leave Reception.

What phonics scheme do we use ?

At Valley Road Academy we  At Valley Road we teach reading using an approved synthetic systematic phonics programme, 'Bug Club' to teach phonics. We follow this programme consistently in order to teach the children to read effectively.

How often will my child be taught phonics?

Children from Reception to Year 2 will have a phonics lesson twice a day for approximately 30 minutes. The skills learned in this lesson will then be followed up in other English lessons. Children in KS2, who are still learning to read, will also have twice daily phonics lessons.

When does my child start learning to read?

Phonics teaching begins in Reception as soon as the children enter school.

In Nursery, children will learn pre-reading skills, that support the introduction of phonics lessons in Reception.

When will my child first bring a reading book home?

As your child is introduced to letters and they begin to blend simple words together they will bring a reading book home. It is important for your child to bring books home that they can read independently and this will then make them feel confident and successful.

What can I do to help when reading at home?

• Read lots of stories to your child. This is the best support you can provide at all ages!!
• When reading their book, encourage your child to sound out words that they find hard to read.
• Look at the instructions in the front of the book and find the ‘tricky’ words that the children will need to practise before reading – these are words they will not be able to sound out.
• Practise the book more than once. Your child will develop their growing knowledge of words by reading them over and over in familiar books. 

Where can I get more information to support my child’s reading?

• Teachers will provide regular updates on what your child is learning in phonics and how you can help.
• Speak to your child’s class teacher. Staff are always happy to discuss your child’s learning with you.