1. Reading at Edinburgh School
Parents’ Workshop KS1

2. Using synthetic phonics
We learn the sounds (phonemes) in this order: s a t p i n m d g o c k ck e u r h b f ff I ll ss j v w x y z zz qu ch sh th ng ai ee igh oa oo ar or ur ow oi ear air ure er Some books may show a focus on certain phonics. When reading we blend phonemes and when writing/spelling we segment. Free resources:

3. Phase 5 How many different ways to make the phoneme ai as in rain?
ay as in tray
ey as in they
a-e as in tame
eigh as in weigh
ei as in vein

4. Phonics Phase 6 Learning to add suffixes and prefixes
Eg add the suffix –est
Big  biggest (short vowel before consonant)
Large largest (drop e)
Happy  happiest (y changes to i)
Enormous  most enormous (number of syllables)
Good, better, best!!

5. Tricky words the to I no go he she we me be was my you her the all are said so do have like some come were there little one when out what

6. Colour banded books The colours show the curriculum levels and should help your child’s reading by making sure your child has a suitable level of book that supports them with their next steps. They should be able to read about 90-95% of the book to help them succeed and gain confidence.

7. Your comments are invaluable
Your comments are invaluable! Just by noting your child’s fluency, interest and understanding, you can support teachers in the partnership with you and your child.

8. Reading every day with your child.
Just 10 minutes a day, every day could improve your child’s reading enormously. You don’t have to be an expert, showing an interest is vital.

9. How do the teachers read with your child?
Discuss title and front cover first.
Make predictions.
Explore the pictures.
Discuss any difficult vocabulary or ideas.
Don’t correct all errors on first reading.
Give the child time to use a strategy.
Suggest a strategy.
Ask them to reread sentences for meaning once they have worked them out.
Ask them their opinions about what they have read.

10. Strategies for reading? What would you do?
I spotted a nelly on the sea shore!
A dzho is commonly found in the Himalayas.

11. Strategies Sound out and blend Use finger to identify word
Use picture cues
Check is it a tricky word?
Miss out the word then return to it and reread for meaning.
You said … does that make sense? Try again.

12. What is important? Your child enjoys reading time.
You read stories to them or tell them stories.
You discuss the story.
Eg. Would you like to be a character in the story?
Which is your favourite part and why?