Phonics
Aims:
At Chalford Hill we teach the skills of reading and spelling through our daily phonics program, Sounds Write. This programme is successful in teaching children to read and spell because it begins with what children know from a very young age – the sounds of our spoken language. It then builds on this using a very systematic approach, teaching children how these sounds are coded within our writing system.
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Sounds Write Crib Sheet | [pdf 289KB] |
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What we do:
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The three key skills children need to master are: |
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Merging each sound to read a word. |
Splitting words up into their sounds. |
Changing or moving sounds in words to create new words. |
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The four key concepts children are taught are: |
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1. Letters are symbols that represent sounds |
2. Sounds can be spelled using 1, 2, 3 or 4 letters |
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3. The same sound can be spelled in different ways |
4. The same spelling can represent different sounds |
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Children in Reception begin by learning the Initial Code where they practice all 3 key skills whilst learning the 1:1 sound-spelling correspondences and securing their understanding of key concept 1. This builds up confidence and phonic knowledge, enabling them to decode and encode a wide range of words and sentences. At first, children learn to read and write simple one syllable words with a CVC (consonant –vowel-consonant) structure. This is then built upon so that children apply their code knowledge to more complex monosyllabic words.
Once the Initial Code has been mastered, children continue to practice all 3 key skills whilst learning the Extended Code which explores key concepts 2, 3 and 4. Learning of the Extended Code is a lifelong process – we all continue to develop our understanding of this code whenever we encounter new words which is why Sounds Write can be applied right up to the end of KS2. Whilst learning the Extended Code, children read and write monosyllabic and polysyllabic words at an age-appropriate level.
What you do:
To support the teaching of reading and spelling, word lists are sent home each week for the children to practise. Consolidation of what has been taught in school can accelerate and support children’s progress in reading and spelling. We recommend short, regular sessions.
If you would like to find out more about Sounds Write and how you can support your child at home there is a fantastic online course for parents run by the Sounds Write founder, John Walker. This can be found at: