Phonics

Subject Lead: Mrs Makin
Contact Email: pennowethks1@croftymat.org

DNA

The culture of our DNA at Pennoweth also aids and supports the teaching of Phonics.

The structure of the lessons and the continuity of the scheme ensures that our children always feel safe and comfortable. They are encouraged to take risks and see mistakes within their learning as stepping stones. Specific groupings ensure that each child is included in every lesson and the help and support they receive from their adults and peers ensure that they feel loved. They are able to be responsible for their own learning, use their phonics resources to work independently and ask for help when they need it to enable them to progress further. The children are engaged and motivated in their learning. They can absorb new knowledge in small steps and the greater depth thinking ensures that all children are sufficiently challenged. Finally, our children are ready. Ready to be independent, secure learners who can be resilient and apply their knowledge in different situations and contexts.

Learning Sounds through Read Write Inc.

Children from Nursery to Year 2 learn sounds through Read Write Inc. Each child is grouped according to their reading ability and read texts they can access, allowing them to gain confidence and competence in reading.

We assess the children regularly and make changes throughout the term, making sure the children are being challenged appropriately in their group.

Speed Sounds – Set 1

Children begin their learning of Phonics with Speed Sounds – Set 1.

See the sound mat below to learn more about these letter sounds.

Speed Sounds – Set 2 and Set 3

Children progress through Set 1 and continue with Speed Sounds – Set 2 and Set 3.

See the sound mats below to learn more about these letter sounds.

Read Write Inc – Sound Pronunciation

Click on the link below to see a demonstration which will support your child’s pronunciation of each sound.

Read Write Inc – Sound Pronunciation

Nonsense Words (Alien Words)

As well as learning to read and blend real words, children will have plenty of opportunities to apply their sound recognition skills on reading ‘Nonsense Words’ like those shown in the example below.

Red Words

Red words are words that cannot be sounded out as they do not follow the phonics language patterns. Their letters make uncommon sounds. The only way to learn these words is from memory. Red words are taught alongside new sounds, once some simple 3 sound words can be read e.g. c-a-t.

See below for Red Words for Set 1 and Set 2.


Useful Phonics Links

Below is a list of useful websites for helping you and your child learn about phonics. Click the links to find out more.

First School Years – Phonics-based games included
ICT Games – Phonics-based games
Jolly Learning – Games and information for parents and carers
Phonics Play – Phonics-based games
Starfall – Phonics-based games
BBC Bitesize – Games covering all areas of the school curriculum

Phonics Screening Check

Children undertake the National Phonics Screening Check in Year 1. Any child not reaching the required standard in this check will be given targeted support throughout Year 2 and will re-sit the Screening Check at the end of Year 2.

For more information on this check, please click the link below.
Phonics Screening Check – Information for Parents and Carers