Core Subjects

Phonics

Phonics

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At CtS we believe that teaching phonics in a structured way – starting with the easiest sounds and progressing through to the most complex sounds – is the most effective way of teaching young children to read and write.

We teach phonics using Letters and Sounds. Phonics is taught daily and a multi-sensory approach is used to cater for the needs of all children. Children are taught to recognise letters, know the sounds they make and blend the sounds together to read words and segment the sounds in words to spell them. Words which cannot be phonetically taught are known as ‘tricky words’ and are learnt through sight recognition. Teachers also provide children with a variety of weekly reading books that match their phonic knowledge.

Letters and Sounds

Not sure of the correct sound?

“Mr Thorne does phonics” videos which are available on Youtube give a very clear introduction to the correct pronunciation of letter sounds.  He also has an app available for mobile devices.

Phonics Screening Check

The Government has introduced a phonics screening check for all children in Year 1. The test will be held in the first half of the Summer term when your child is in Year 1. The check is designed to inform parents and teachers about your child’s progress in phonics and help to identify if any further support is required. It comprises a list of 20 real words and 20 nonsense (alien) words. Each child will sit with a teacher they know to carry out the check.

There is more information on the Oxford Owl website about the check.

We run a phonics workshop for parents in the Autumn Term each year. Information from this year’s workshop can be found below.

Christ the Saviour Phonics Workshop 2019

In addition, below are some useful websites to support the teaching of phonics at home.