Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, “Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book. Books, whether fiction or nonfiction, are meant to be read."
Jeremiah 30:2
English
At Calow C of E Primary School, we believe that a strong command of the English language is a fundamental life skill. Through speaking, listening, reading and writing, children learn to communicate effectively and participate fully as members of society; their intellectual, social and emotional and spiritual development is intertwined with these skills, as is their access to the world of education. We enable our pupils to express themselves clearly, creatively and imaginatively, as they become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry, drama, non-fiction and media texts, and we nurture a love of literature and the spoken word.
Early Reading and Phonics
In EYFS and KS1 our teachers have been trained in the phonics programme ‘Sounds-Write’. Our teaching of reading and writing within the school is, therefore, based on the Sounds-Write programme. This begins very early on when children join in Reception and continues until a child is a confident and competent reader and speller. Sounds-Write is used around the world and is one of the DfE approved schemes.
The knowledge of sounds and symbols is an important starting point for understanding and using written language and we believe that a strong and consistent approach to the teaching of phonics is vital for our children to begin to access the rest of the curriculum. This is, however, used in conjunction with many other strategies to help children to begin to read and write.
Sounds Write is a linguistic phonics programme (speech to print) and a systematic phonics programme validated by the DfE in England. It is a highly structured, cumulative, multi sensory approach to teaching reading and spelling across the whole school (Reception to KS2)
The key concepts that students are taught and the three skills they need to master include phonemic manipulation, oral segmenting and blending. Students are taught the Initial Code in Reception and cover the Extended Code and how to read Polysyllabic Words during Year 1 and Year 2. They consolidate this knowledge with a focus on spelling during the rest of KS2.
Phonics is taught for 30 minutes daily in KS1 and also taught regularly in KS2 in reading and spelling sessions when there are new words taught or for those children who are still developing their fluency in reading.
Phonics Information Session for Parents
How can I help my child at home?
Click here to find out more about Sounds Write
Click here for ways you can help your child read and write at home using Sounds Write
Click here to download the Sounds Write app for Apple
Spelling and Reading in KS2
LKS2 Phonics and Spelling Morning
Long Term Planning
Year R LTP for Phonics 2022 - 2023
Year 1 LTP for Phonics 2022 - 2023
Year 2 LTP for Phonics 2022 - 2023
Reading for Pleasure
Reading with your child can support them in developing a love of reading. The Open University have come up with guides and videos to support parents with this.
How to enjoy storytime with your child
Reading aloud to children: 7 steps to making it magical.
Supporting_Readers_at_Home_Poster_.pdf
Reading Aloud
Books for Topics have provided a list of age appropriate books for you to enjoy with your child at home. Click on the links and scan the QR code for a story to enjoy a story at home with your child.