Phonics
We use the Essential Letters and Sounds Phonics scheme (ELS) which is validated by the DfE.
ELS teaches children to read using a systematic synthetic phonics approach. It is designed to be used as part of an early learning environment that is rich in talk and story, where children experience the joy of books and language whilst rapidly acquiring the skills to become fluent independent readers and writers.
ELS teaches children to:
• decode by identifying each sound within a word and blending them together to read fluently
• encode by segmenting each sound to write words accurately
Children are given the opportunity to hear and say each
sound, first in isolation, and then within words and sentences
Children receive daily phonics sessions in Early Years and KS1. Those children who require phonics in KS2 also receive Phonics sessions.
Reading
At Sharrow we believe in providing quality books for the children to read. We use a range of different reading schemes so that the children don’t become too familiar with one particular style. Children need to read a range of genre so we have fiction and non fiction books in order to develop a range of reading skills.
It is our aim to develop enthusiastic and confident readers who can understand a wide range of texts. Children read for interest, information and enjoyment. Reading is an empowering life skill so at Sharrow our commitment is to give children the best start and develop a love of books and reading for pleasure.
Our approach to teaching Reading
The teaching of reading at Sharrow comprises the following elements:
• Guided reading
• Phonics – daily within FS2 and KS1 for all children and then as appropriate for children not yet achieving the expected level at KS 2.
• Modelled and shared reading within literacy and other lessons
• Individual reading when appropriate
• Story time
• Activities to support comprehension within reading
• Regular visits to Highfield Library.
• The provision of a quality reading environment
• Reading at home – children are encouraged to take books home regularly to read with their families. In key stage 2 children have a ‘Reading Explorer Book’ in Y3 and Y4 ‘Cliff-hanger Book’ in Y5 and Y6. Several children in the class will read the same book and they are expected to complete self-directed written tasks connected to the book in response to what they have read. They may do a character study or write a review for example. They can then discuss the book they have read with their classmates who have read the same book.
Speaking and Listening
We recognise the importance of developing children’s oral skills as the bedrock of any literacy development. Children’s spoken language is assessed in Nursery or when they join the school in another year group. School staff are clear on the need to develop all children’s spoken and receptive vocabulary, strategies for doing this are integral to everyday practise. Some children may need extra support and they follow individual programmes accordingly. Adults will use language frames to help teach good grammatically correct spoken language.
Writing
The Phonics skills which are taught in Nursery lead into the development of writing skills. Children are encouraged to use their phonic skills to spell new words, they also have to learn to spell the key words for each year group. Children are expected to write grammatically correct sentences at an appropriate level and are given the support to do so. Correct spellings, neat and legible handwriting and accurate grammar are important. However, we also place a lot of value on the creative aspect of writing and we encourage children to write with imagination, confidence and flair. The school curriculum is designed to give children the stimuli and opportunities to use their writing skills effectively and imaginatively.