Reading & Phonics

Read Write Inc

At Stockwell, our intent is to ensure that every child builds a strong foundation in their early reading through high‑quality, systematic phonics teaching. We use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds, an accredited, DfE-approved programme, to deliver phonics lessons that are research-informed, progressive and comprehensive. We work with the principle that secure and embedded phonic knowledge is imperative to enabling children to become confident and enthusiastic young readers.

Who is Little Wandle for?

Children in Foundation Stage 2 begin the programme with small increments of daily phonics teaching, with an aim to complete the programme by the time they begin year 2. The programme, however, caters to teaching children for as long as they need to use the scheme. Once the core programme has been completed and secured, children are able to make use of the fluency books that Little Wandle offers, to complete their journey to becoming a ‘free reader’.

How is it taught?

Children in Foundation Stage are first taught to recognise single letter sounds, known as phonemes. They are simultaneously encouraged to blend these phonemes together to be able to recognise words, e.g. c-a-t. Throughout Foundation Stage and moving into Year 1, children are also taught a number of sounds containing two letters, known as digraphs, and three letters, known as trigraphs. This gradual and systematic building of the English language ‘code’ broadens their reading ability and deepens their understanding of texts.

 How can I help my child at home?

• Establish a routine to include regular reading at home through the week – whether this is your child reading their phonics book to you, or you both sharing a story together.
• Have fun with oral blending of sounds at home. This is a vital skill for the children to develop in order to ensure that their reading skills progress with speed. Ask your child to find their c-oa-t and h-a-t, or ask them to find the e-gg-s at the shop!
• Encourage your child to ‘sound talk’ any unfamiliar words they encounter while reading, to apply the skills they have learned in school.
• Read, read, read! A story, a leaflet, a shop sign – help your child to discover the magic of finding meaning in reading.

Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, or the school office, if you have any queries relating to the teaching of phonics and how you can help at home.

Further Information

Little Wandle 'for parents' website