Phonics and Early Reading

Our approach to teaching early reading and phonics at Gorse Hill School is outlined in our Early Reading and Phonics policy. Please click on the tab to view our early reading and phonics policy.

This page is for you to find out how you can support your child with reading at home. Below is an overview of what you can do to support your child, however if there is anything else that you would like to know or discuss further, please do not hesitate to speak with your child's class teacher.

Raising standards in Reading:

One way to improve your child's reading is through lots of repeated practise. By hearing your child read at home, you will be helping them to practise and improve. Once you become more confident in hearing your child read, you will find new ways to support them. The main thing that you will be doing is giving them the opportunity to read aloud to an adult on a regular basis.

It is the job of the teachers in school to teach your child to read, but with your help it means that we will be working together to help your child to become a better reader.

Your approach to reading at home will depend on your child's age and ability. Please find some suggestions below:

• Find a quiet space with little distractions (television, toys, music, etc) for your child to read to you at home.
• Ask your child about their practise reading book - What is your book about? What do you like/dislike about it? What has happened so far in the story? What do you think might happen next?
• Use lots of praise and encouragement.
• If your child does not know a word, encourage them to use their phonic knowledge to segment the word.

Record keeping:

Your child's class teacher will keep records of your child's progress in reading in school. So that the class teacher can monitor how many times your child has read at home, we would ask you to sign your child's reading record. You could include the following:

• Date
• Book title
• Signature
• A brief comment about how well your child read

We would ask that all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 practise the following as often as possible (ideally everyday) at home:

• Previously learnt GCPs flashcards - these will be sent home with your child every week
• Reading their practice reading book
• Read a storybook to develop your child's love of reading and vocabulary. This book should be read by you to your child.

Thank you for hearing your child read regularly at home. You are supporting your child in becoming a better reader and helping them in their journey in becoming lifelong learners.

Please follow the link below to access resources available to parents through our phonic scheme; Little Wandle:

https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/