An Introduction to phonics Mrs Kitchen, Miss Warren, Mrs Jerzykowska and Miss Boam 24/09/15

Aims To give an overview of the curriculum and how you can help at home To explain how early reading is taught To explain our daily class routines

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage? The Early Years Foundation Stage (E.Y.F.S.) is the stage of education for children from birth to the end of the Reception year. It is based on the recognition that children learn best through play and active learning. This is a very important stage as it helps your child get ready for school as well as preparing them for their future learning and successes. From when your child is born up until the age of 5, their early years experience should be happy, active, exciting, fun and secure; and support their development, care and learning needs.

Children should mostly develop the 3 prime areas first. These are: Communication and language Physical development Personal, social and emotional development. Your child will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through 7 areas of learning and development As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in 4 specific areas. These are: Literacy Mathematics Understanding the world Expressive arts and design.

Foundation Stage Profile Each of the 7 areas of learning has its own set of Early Learning Goals’ which determine what most children are expected to achieve by the end of Reception. By the end of Reception, some children will have achieved or exceeded the goals. Some children will still be working towards them as they enter year 1. Parents will be informed of their child’s progress through parents evenings, learning journey and end of year report.

The first few weeks We will find out what the children already know and can do and use this information to help us develop an individual learning programme for each child. You will be invited to discuss your child’s progress & adjustment to school within the first term at parents evening.

WOW Moments In Reception we use WOW moments to gain an understanding of your child’s achievements outside of school. They are a valuable source of evidence when completing your child’s assessments. When in the park, Bobby said that the tree trunks were like a cylinder shape. Maisie helped me with the gardening. She pulled out one of last years herbs. “Look it’s dying. Can I have the watering can, because it needs water?”

Communication and Language talk confidently and clearly; show awareness of listener enjoy listening to stories, songs and poems, showing good attention; follow instructions; answer questions about stories

What you can do to help! Share a wide range of rhymes, stories, poems, songs and non- fiction books. Talk about every day experiences. If your child’s first language is not English, please continue to use your first language at home. This will help them to develop the skills to learn English at school.

Writing The children write simple sentences which can be read by themselves and others.

What you can do to help! Encourage children to draw, paint etc Show children your writing, shopping lists, things to do, birthday cards. Make scrap books, write postcards, party invitations. Develop fine motor skills by cutting, sewing, dot-to-dots etc.

Reading Children read and understand simple sentences.

What you can do to help! Ensure children read scheme books and learn key words when brought home. Look at phonics sheets and practise actions for each. Read bedtime stories! Look at and talk about printed language in their environment, on food packets, road signs, labels and leaflets.

Mathematical Development Count and calculate with numbers up to 20. Children use everyday language to talk about size, weight, capacity, position, distance, time, money, shape and patterns.

What you can do to help! Point out numbers around you, on houses, cars, television channels, cookers and microwaves, Say number names in order as you climb the stairs, count teddies on a bed, plates on the table. Compare quantities, who has the most sweets, which shopping bag is heavier?

Holistic Reading Strategies Phonics Sight vocabulary:- Key words are sent home after 12 sounds Tricky words Comprehension - guided reading - individual reading in school and at home - library books

Phonics We follow the Letter and Sounds Programme Jolly Phonics – the multi-sensory approach In English there are 42 letter sounds and 26 letters names Two letters but only one sound sh, th, ch, ng Four sounds a week

Letters and Sounds A six phase phonic programme used throughout the school Children learn to read and spell using fun games and activities Phonics taught and practised daily in small groups

Jolly Phonics Storyline Action Practise sound recognition and formation Blending Segmenting Home sound folder

Oxford Reading Tree Scheme Books to be kept in Book bags Lost or damaged books will need to be paid for There is no set order to the books There are different genres within each stage

To remember Blue reading bags to be returned every day. Reading books will be changed Monday, Wednesday and Friday Books to be signed before changing Library book in Tuesday Sound folder in every Monday PE kit in every day

Further information Water bottles Please name everything! Wellington boots and rain coat Spare clothes Check bag daily for letters Voluntary contribution £2 per term Parent helpers – need DBS check

Independence Please encourage your child to dress by themselves and clean themselves after going to the toilet. Children have “accidents”. If these are regular, can you provide a set of spare clothes.

Health and Safety Collecting children at the end of the day Allergies or medical conditions Long hair to be tied back No jewellery to be worn Stud earrings only

Let us know if your child doesn’t like milk Remember to fill in the lunch choice form on time!

Thank you for listening! Any questions?