Reading and Phonics

The teaching of English is an intrinsic part of this cross-curricula approach and as such, much of the children’s learning relates to each unit. Texts have been chosen to complement the themes so that reading comprehension and writing skills are developed through them.

Whilst reading and writing skills are taught through the chosen topics and texts wherever possible, it is necessary to teach some aspects discretely. Bespoke personalised avatars support the teaching of reading skills in reading lessons. The children develop and build upon their knowledge of the following key skills.

Key Stage 1

• word meaning
• retrieval
• sequences
• inference
• prediction

Key Stage 2

• word meaning
• retrieval
• summarising
• inference
• prediction
• relationship
• word choice
• comparison

In the Foundation Stage and key stage 1, phonics is taught systematically using the Twinkl Phonics scheme. This progresses into year 3 where phonic knowledge continues to underpin the teaching of spelling.  Grammar, punctuation and spelling will be taught in line with the national curriculum, building on the phonics teaching.

The majority of pupils learn to join their handwriting in year 2 though this is delayed or revised in lower key stage 2 if necessary. Presentation skills, including those that are computer- generated are an important part of children’s learning across the school.

At Wingham Primary School we use Twinkl Phonics. Twinkl Phonics is a DfE validated full systematic, synthetic phonics programme that contains everything we need to deliver phonics teaching to our children from the very beginning of learning to read and write to full fluency. It delivers learning in a clear and rigorous way so that skills are built progressively over time, ensuring that children have a secure base from which to develop.