Phonics - Little Wandle Letters and Sounds

At Pear Tree Primary School we have a very clear vision for phonics - to get every child reading. We do this by teaching phonics daily through small targeted groups. This programme is specifically targeted at our Reception and Year 1 children.

Our systematic synthetic phonics programme is Little Wandle Letters and Sounds.

All staff are trained in this programme and receive ongoing coaching from our Early reading lead, Mrs Newman. This model enables all adults to become highly skilled, expert reading teachers that continue to develop their practice. All planning, environments and strategies are completely consistent across the team.

Children are taught a minimum of four sounds a week and apply this within word reading and spelling. Children are assessed every half term by designated assessment leads. The lowest 20% receive daily, systematic interventions by trained intervention teachers. This aims to ensure these children make accelerated progress and no child is left behind. Children receive daily decodable reading sessions in small targeted groups to ensure they are continually applying their phonological understanding. They are then able to take these books home to develop their fluency and confidence.

It is really important that pupils in Reception and Key Stage 1 (years 1 and 2) have a strong phonics programme. Little Wandle is also linked with decodable reading books. This ensures children are only reading words they can phonetically decode. The books are stored centrally and are given to pupils by their phonics teacher. These are mapped out systematically each half term so that children are reading books aligned to the phonics progression. The books found in classroom book corners are not banded but are for interest/pleasure and use by the teachers for story time. Children can also take these home where a parent or guardian can enjoy reading aloud to them. This is a fundamental aspect of developing their engagement and early attitude to reading.

If you have any questions about class phonic sessions or how you can help your child at home see their class teacher in the first instance. Alternatively, Mrs Newman as Early Reading lead or Mrs Lacy, our literacy coordinator, are also able to help.

Resources for Parents

Reception - Phase 2 Sounds - Autumn 1

Reception - Autumn 1 Sounds - Click on the file at the bottom of the page to download a guide to how children are taught to say their sounds in Reception Autumn 1

Reception - Phase 2 Sounds - Autumn 2

Reception - Phase 2 Sounds - Click on the file at the bottom of the page to download a guide to how children are taught to say their sounds in Reception Autumn 2

Reception - Phase 3 Sounds - Spring 1

Reception - Spring 1 Sounds - Click on the file at the bottom of the page to download a guide to how children are taught to say their sounds in Reception Spring 1

Year 1 - Phase 5 Sounds

Year 1 - Autumn 2 Sounds - Click on the file at the bottom of the page to download a guide to how children are taught to say their sounds in Year 1 Autumn 2

How to Write Capital Letters - Click on the file at the bottom of the page to download a guide to how children are taught to write capital letters

Reading at 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!

To watch a video click on the link here and see the tab 'Books Coming Home'.