At Maple, we use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds as our chosen systematic synthetic phonics programme (SSP). Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised is a complete Systematic Synthetic Phonics programme (SSP) developed for schools by schools. It provides complete coverage of the required phonics teaching for EYFS and KS1, which is ambitious in its approach to teaching phonics ensuring all children are able to decode words and read tricky words as soon as they begin reading. The programme also ensures that children who require additional support receive daily catch up interventions to prevent them from falling behind.
Children read books that match their phonic knowledge and this ensures children have a positive reading experience both in school and at home. The children bring home two decodable reading books each week to practise their phonic knowledge and increase their fluency, as well as a book they have chosen to read for pleasure.
Phonics progression at Maple
Please see the progression of phonics teaching by clicking on the image below:
As pupils leave us in Year 2 to begin their time in Key Stage Two we want them to leave Maple as confident readers who have developed their own skillset to improve and tackle the next stage in their learning. They will feel empowered to use their learning in phonics and early reading to approach unfamiliar, challenging texts which they can confidently discuss with their peers and adults.
Supporting your child with reading at home
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 reading for pleasure 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 do not worry that it is 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 cannot read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together.
Reading for pleasure 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 should not 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, and explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun!
To find out more about our phonics at Maple, watch some videos about tricky words and how we teach phonics, please have a look at our presentation from the phonics workshop in the autumn term:
Here are some videos from our phonics workshop that will support you in understanding our approach to phonics teaching at Maple: