How we teach phonics at Sparkwell
In September 2023 we made the switch from Read Write Inc to Phonics Bug, so that we could work closely with the academies in the MAT who all use this scheme. As our children in Year 2 are completeing the phonics scheme they are remaining on RWI, but our EYFS and Year 1 are starting the year on the new scheme. We are working quickly to ensure we have the right resources and that staff are trained.
Phonics is the preferred method of teaching children how to read and write.
Phonics is all about sounds. There are 44 sounds in the English language, which we put together to form words. Some are represented by one letter, like ‘t’, and some by two or more, like ‘ck’ in duck and ‘air’ in chair.
Children are taught the sounds first, then how to match them to letters, and finally how to use the letter sounds for reading and spelling.
Synthetic phonics refers to ‘synthesising’, or blending, the sounds to read words. It is based on the idea that children should sound out unknown words and not rely on their context.
Phonics is all about sounds. There are 44 sounds in the English language, which we put together to form words. Some are represented by one letter, like ‘t’, and some by two or more, like ‘ck’ in duck and ‘air’ in chair.
Children are taught the sounds first, then how to match them to letters, and finally how to use the letter sounds for reading and spelling.
Synthetic phonics refers to ‘synthesising’, or blending, the sounds to read words. It is based on the idea that children should sound out unknown words and not rely on their context.
If you are new to phonics, this short video can help you make sure you are saying the sounds correctly!
What is Bug Club?
At home you will have access to an online learning platform that the school will use to help teach your child to read and that you can access at home.
It has carefully graded eBooks and you will get details on how to access eBooks via a personalised website. The books include games and activities and can also read the book aloud as an audio book. We will also send books home as we know this is important too.
It has carefully graded eBooks and you will get details on how to access eBooks via a personalised website. The books include games and activities and can also read the book aloud as an audio book. We will also send books home as we know this is important too.
You can watch a short video about this here