Reading / Phonics

English Curriculum Map Texts 2023-24

Our Vision for Early Reading and Phonics

Our Vision for Early Reading and Phonics

Phonics & Early Reading

Phonics is taught throughout the school using the Monster Phonics scheme, a programme for 5-7 year-olds, which ensures systematic coverage and progression.

In Key Stage 1, the children are taught whole class for a 30 minute session each day, led by class teachers, with additional intervention groups led by trained learning support staff (in response to misconceptions). The children are assessed regularly to ensure that they are making the expected progress. Year 1 children take part in statutory Phonics Screening during Term 6, and parents are informed of their child’s achievement at the end of the school year.

In EYFS, Phonics is taught whole class from September – progressing gradually up to the whole 30 minute session each day by Christmas.

Writing progresses from talking and composing sentences orally to being able to write sentences with support and, later on, independently. Writing is linked to storytelling and to the children’s own experiences, as well as to the topics taught. Phonics is used to support the early stages of writing, and spelling patterns are taught as the children’s skills progress. Great emphasis is also placed on handwriting and learning the correct letter formation and pencil control from early on.

• Guide to Monster Phonics
• Early Reading and Phonics (Parent workshop – 17.09.24)
• Phonics Screening (Parent workshop – 16.04.24)
• EYFS Phonics Progression Map
• Year 1 Phonics Progression Map
• Year 2 Phonics Progression Map

Guided reading (whole class and 1-1) takes place on a daily basis throughout the school, with two of these sessions including reading for pleasure each week. Children are also encouraged to read independently at the start of the school day.

In EYFS and KS1, children will take home Monster Phonics books that are matched to their phonics level. They will take one Monster Phonics book home once a week. These children will also take home a Banded Book from the Collins Big Cat scheme. In EYFS and KS1 these banded books (shared readers) may include sounds or words not yet taught so will be shared with an adult at home to help. When a child has read the banded books we have in school, they will use the banded books that are accessible online through Collins Big Cat eBooks.

In KS2, pupils read books that are matched to their reading level. These may be banded or library books, including books of their own choice.

Phil & Jim’s Library

All children at Phil & Jim are members of the school library, which is run by our Y6 librarians. The library is open every lunchtime and classes also have timetabled slots during the week. Library cards are issued to every child so that they can borrow up to 2 books at any one time.

Phil & Jim’s Reading Challenge

Reading expectations at home

We encourage and expect our children to read every day at home. All children have a Reading Record that is taken home daily. This is a journal that children and parents can fill in together which is regularly checked by class teachers. We understand that some children enjoy to read independently, in addition to reading with an adult. On these occasions, KS2 children can independently fill out their reading records.

We feel that it is important for children to regularly read with an adult (in addition to reading independently – if they can) so that discussions and joint exploration can take place around the text.

It is important that children experience a wide range of texts, so please encourage your child to read as widely as possible. (Examples include: comics, graphic novels, picture books, novels and age-appropriate newspaper reports/articles.)

Reading books and record books should be kept in the pupil’s school bag, and brought to school each day. Children may also borrow a library book to enjoy at home.

Useful links:

• 7 important questions to ask your child during story time
• Help your child learn to read
• Oxford Owl – help your child learn
• Questions to support reading at home

Reading Record House point reminder:

Filling in a reading record regularly is an easy way to tally up house points:

3x recordings = 1 house point

5x recordings = 2 house points

7x recordings = 3 house points

Why read for pleasure at home?

Reading for pleasure opens up new worlds for children. It gives them the opportunity to use their imagination to explore new ideas, visit new places and meet new characters. (Oxford Owl)

If you are unsure as to which books are suitable for your child, or you would like a recommended list, please do see our reading challenge.