Here at Woodstone we ensure that reading is a focus area. Children are exposed to high quality texts across the curriculum and reading skills are taught in all year groups. We create a reading rich environment where children can readily access a range of text genres for enjoyment. We also see reading as an opportunity for children to follow their individual interests beyond the curriculum. We value the importance of children being read to and ensure that all children are read to daily. In addition to this, all children take books home regularly to read and share with their families. All children have the opportunity to visit our school library within class sessions but also within their own time.
At Woodstone we use DFE listed, Monster Phonics as a whole-class scheme. ‘Monster Phonics’ is a rigorous, systematic synthetic programme developed by Ingrid Connors, a primary teacher, phonics specialist and audiological scientist. All of the resources within the programme are mapped against the Letters and Sounds phases 1 to 6 and the KS1 Spelling Curriculum.
Different to any other scheme, Monster Phonics uses colour to consistently code for key graphemes in English. Colour shows children how to pronounce the most difficult aspects of reading. It is unique in that it uses character (monster) phoneme cues and colour coding to represent the long vowel sounds, silent letters and tricky letters. With Monster Phonics, spellings are more memorable and learning to read and spell becomes exciting and fun!
What's new in Reading?
At Woodstone we now follow the Monster Phonics scheme. We have invited heavily in new, exciting and enjoyable books for the KS1 children. This includes both fiction and non-fiction books. Every child is closely matched to a reading book at any appropriate phonics phase or reading ability level.
We have worked hard on creating new reading corners for the children to spend quality time enjoying books independently and with their peers.
As a school timetables have been altered to ensure that reading is a priority. We have allowed additional time for classes to recap Phonics teaching and for all children to read in class (ERIC).
Miss Rebecca Pickering
Reading Subject Lead
I am very passionate about Phonics and Reading and its importance in order for children to be able to learn effectively. It's such a vital skill, which we aim to teach effectively, to allow the children to embark on their journeys of discovery.
