Reading and Phonics
At Markington School, we beileve that all our children can become fluent readers and writers, and using the Little Wandle programme, we deliver a systematic, synthetic phonics programme, starting in children's Nursery year. This ensures that all children build strong foundations on which their growing knowledge of the alphabetic code and phonics, and it supports them to read and spell, as they move through school - and beyond.Our skilled teachers aim to develop a love of literature through exposure to a wide range of quality texts. We encourage the children to talk about books they have read and to recommend books they have enjoyed. Our curriulum is well planned and delivered by our experienced teaching staff. Fidelity to the Little Wandle systematic synthetic phonics programme provides a consistency to the teaching and learning of phonics.
Click here for Little Wandle 'key features of effective phonics practice'
Nursery - Foundations for Phonics
Foundations for Phonics
Getting ready for Reception
The Nursery years are the best time to lay the foundations for your child’s future reading. By spending time talking with your child and focusing on the sounds of our language, you can help your child get ready for formal phonics teaching in Reception. Please see below guidance on how you can help support your child at home.
Reading at home
The resources on this page will help you support your child with saying their sounds and writing their letters. There are also some useful videos so you can see how they are taught at school and feel confident about supporting their reading at home.
Find our full Reception and Year 1 teaching programme overview here to see what your child will learn and when.
Pronunciation of sounds
Please see below the three videos show you how to pronounce the sounds. Notice how the children don’t add an ‘uh’ sound at the end, so they say: ‘t’ not ‘tuh’. Use the downloadable information to help your child remember how to write their letters and say their sounds.
Pronunciation guides
Reception
Year 1
How to write capital letters
How we teach tricky words
How we teach blending
Books coming home
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!