In order to achieve our whole school intent, we have identified 3 Golden Threads that weave through our curriculum and underpin everything we do. This means that in delivering our curriculum we are embedding our school's Christian Values, developing knowledge and skills progressively over time with an ambitious and aspiring curriculum whilst immersing our children in language-rich teaching.
At Forest & Sandridge C.E. Primary School, our curriculum intent is to give children the skills to decode words in order to be able to read fluently. Our phonic teaching and learning focuses on skills and knowledge which have been planned and taught in a progressive and sequential, following the validated SSP, Little Wandle. Our aim is to ensure every child has reading fluency, comprehension and is able to apply their phonic skills in their spelling. We also strive to encourage confidence and enjoyment of reading by giving children opportunities and experiences that promote this. Phonic opportunities are also built into learning across the curriculum.
This page is for you to find out how you can support your child with reading at home. Below is an overview of what you can do to support your child, however if there is anything else that you would like to know or discuss further, please do not hesitate to speak with your child's class teacher.
Raising Standards in Reading
One way to improve your child's reading is through lots of repeated practise. By hearing your child read at home, you will be helping them to practise and improve. Once you become more confident in hearing your child read, you will find new ways to support them. The main thing that you will be doing is giving them the opportunity to read aloud to an adult on a regular basis.
It is the job of the teachers in school to teach your child to read, but with your help it means that we will be working together to help your child to become a better reader.
Your approach to reading at home will depend on your child's age and ability. Please find some suggestions below:
- Find a quiet space with little distractions (television, toys, music, etc) for your child to read to you at home.
- Ask your child about their practise reading book - What is your book about? What do you like/dislike about it? What has happened so far in the story? What do you think might happen next?
- Use lots of praise and encouragement.
- If your child does not know a word, encourage them to use their phonic knowledge to segment the word.
Record Keeping
Your child's class teacher will keep records of your child's progress in reading in school. So that the class teacher can monitor how many times your child has read at home, we would ask you to sign your child's reading record. You could include the following:
- Date
- Book title
- Signature
- A brief comment about how well the child is doing
We would ask that all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 practise the following as often as possible (ideally everyday) at home:
- Reading their practice reading book
- Read a storybook to develop your child's love of reading and vocabulary. This book should be read by you to your child.
Thank you for hearing your child read regularly at home. You are supporting your child in becoming a better reader and helping them in their journey in becoming lifelong learners.
Please follow the link below to access resources available to parents through our phonic scheme; Little Wandle
