This week the spotlight has been shone on reading and in particular phonics in Foundation Stage and Key Stage One. Parents/ Carers were given the unique opportunity to pop in and observe phonics being taught first hand. This enabled them to see how we teach reading at Abbeys and various components that make up reading, such as sound knowledge, word recognition and blending. We also held a Year 1 Phonics Screening check workshop for parents on Tuesday after school. Sadly, only 11 families came along- a disappointing turnout for an area of such great importance.
The Phonics Screening Check is a statutory assessment that is administered to all Year 1 pupils. The purpose of the Phonics Screening Check is to assess students' decoding skills and their ability to apply phonics knowledge to read real and nonsense words.
Here's an overview of how the Phonics Screening Check works:
Timing: The check takes place in June of each academic year, near the end of Year 1.
Content: The check consists of a list of 40 words, both real and nonsense words, which the child is asked to read aloud to their teacher.
Real Words: The real words are common words that can be sounded out using phonics. They are chosen to represent a range of phonics skills that children should have mastered by the end of Year 1.
Nonsense Words: The nonsense words are made up of combinations of letters that follow phonics rules but don't correspond to real words. These words are included to test whether children can apply their phonics knowledge to decode unfamiliar words.
Scoring: Each word is worth one mark, and the child's score is recorded by their teacher. The teacher may provide support and encouragement during the check but must not give any prompts or assistance with decoding the words.
Results: The Phonics Screening Check is not a pass/fail assessment. Instead, it provides teachers with information about each child's decoding skills. Schools use the results to identify students who may need additional support with phonics instruction.
Feedback to Parents: Parents are informed of their child's results, typically through a report or letter from the school. The results may also be discussed during parent-teacher meetings or consultations.
Follow-up Support: For students who do not achieve the expected level of phonics proficiency, schools are required to provide additional support and interventions to help them catch up. This support may include targeted phonics instruction, small group work, or individualised interventions.
Overall, the Phonics Screening Check is designed to support early literacy development by assessing children's phonics skills and identifying areas for further support and instruction. It is one of several tools used by teachers to monitor students' progress in learning to read.
Reading is the most important thing that your child learns at school!
Parents play a critical role in supporting their children's reading development.
Here are several ways parents can help with reading:
Read Aloud: Reading aloud to children from a young age exposes them to language, vocabulary, and storytelling. Choose a variety of books, including picture books, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Make reading together a daily ritual, and encourage children to ask questions and engage with the story.
Create a Literacy-Rich Environment: Surround children with reading materials at home. Have a diverse selection of books, magazines, newspapers, and other reading materials accessible to them. Designate a cosy reading corner or space where children can relax and enjoy books comfortably.
Be a Reading Role Model: Children often mimic their parents' behaviours. Let them see you reading for pleasure and for information. Model good reading habits by showing enthusiasm for books, discussing what you're reading, and making reading a priority in your own life.
Encourage Independent Reading: Encourage children to read independently by providing them with age-appropriate books that match their interests and reading level. Allow them to choose books they enjoy, even if they're not what you would pick. Offer praise and positive reinforcement for their efforts.
Support Literacy Activities: Participate in literacy-related activities with your child, such as visiting the library together, attending storytelling events, or joining a book club for families. Engage in fun literacy games and activities that promote reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and critical thinking skills.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: When reading together, ask open-ended questions that encourage children to think critically about the story, characters, and themes. Encourage them to make predictions, connections, and interpretations. Foster discussions that deepen their understanding and appreciation of the text.
Provide Reading Support: Offer support and guidance when children encounter difficult words or concepts while reading. Use context clues, break down unfamiliar words, and encourage them to sound out words phonetically. Be patient and supportive, and avoid putting pressure on them to read perfectly.
Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate your child's reading milestones and achievements. Whether it's finishing a book, mastering a new reading skill, or expressing excitement about a favourite story, acknowledge their efforts and enthusiasm. Celebrate their progress to instil confidence and motivation.
Incorporate Reading Into Daily Activities: Integrate reading into everyday routines and activities. Encourage reading during mealtimes, before bedtime, or while waiting in line. Explore opportunities for reading in different contexts, such as reading recipes while cooking together or reading signs while out for a walk.
Be Patient and Supportive: Every child learns at their own pace. Be patient and supportive as your child develops their reading skills. Offer encouragement, praise their efforts, and provide gentle guidance when needed. Foster a positive and nurturing environment that values literacy and learning.
