In the Early Years Foundation Stage, we deliver phonics from soon as the children start school, immersing children with sound exposition from the start of their experience in school. During this period, we assess the children using our baseline assessments and teach the initial set 1 sounds following the Read Write Inc programme.
The teacher delivers a speed sound lesson to the whole class which includes the ‘sound of the day’’, rhyme and handwriting process and objects that also begin with the sound of the day. We also link early reading, oral blending and CVC recognition into these sessions as well.
How do we match the pupil’s reading books to their phonic ability?
Through the Read Write Inc programme, children are given books that match the sounds that they have been taught. Children are then able to read with confidence and practice sounds at home.
- Pupils are assessed daily in phonics as well as half termly using the RWI assessments. Assessment then informs which books match to the pupil’s phonic ability.
- Staff in EYFS are responsible for changing and or checking the pupil’s reading books.
- Pupils who are learning phonics in EYFS take home three books: a book bag book, a read write story book and a book for pleasure.
How do we promote a love of reading?
Reading underpins our schools’ approach to learning and therefore as well as this, phonics and reading is essential to all areas of the curriculum. Continuous provision activities are set up with reading at the heart of what we teach. As well as this, hook books underpin the children’s learning and are used to encourage discussion and promote each topic which is taught across the EYFS year. Children are given enriching opportunities to delve into story telling and sequencing using story stages, story spoons and tough trays that link to the book of the week. We also visit the Library weekly to create a essence of reading for pleasure.
