Phonics

Intent

At Beechwood we aim to develop each child so that they are able to read with fluency as well as develop a love of reading. We aim to teach children to decode by identifying each sound with a word and blend them together to read fluently. Children learn to encode by segmenting each sound to write words accurately. Phonics is taught on the principle that children should ‘keep up’ rather than ‘catch up’.

Implementation

In Foundation Stage One, children take part in Phase 1 phonics activities daily in preparation for early reading. Children have at least 3 stories read to them each session and rhyme time daily. This introduces early narratives and introduces the concept of early print.

Essential Letters and Sounds is our chosen phonics programme and is taught from Reception to Year 2 on a daily basis; following the ELS progression and sequence. In Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, ELS phonics books are used to support their knowledge and skills.

Lessons follow the structure of: Review, Teach and Practise and Apply.
Alongside new sounds, children learn harder to read and spell words.

Interventions are delivered within the lesson by the teacher and any child who is struggling with the new knowledge can be immediately targeted with appropriate support. 

ELS is supported by a wide range of decodable texts which cover both fiction and non-fiction. Home reading texts are matched to each child’s current phonic knowledge to ensure that they consolidate their most recent teaching and learning at home.