Phonics
At Essendon Primary School, we use Little Wandle to teach phonics. The Little Wandle programme supports us to develop a love of reading in the school, ensure decodable texts are well-matched to children’s developing phonics knowledge and to ensure that early reading is prioritised.
Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 have timetabled phonics lessons every day. These lessons follow a well sequenced and rigorous plan and include resources to aid the teaching of phonics. Children in Nursery follow the Little Wandle Foundations and Year 2 follow the Year 2 Spelling programme.
Little Wandle also ensures Reception and Key Stage 1 children complete three reading practice sessions a week so they can put their growing phonic knowledge into practice. The three reads structure is designed for pupils to decode in session one, read with prosody in session two, and answer comprehension questions in session three before taking the book home to enjoy and share their reading skills. The assessment guidance supports teachers to match children’s secure phonic knowledge to appropriate decodable books.
Little Wandle provides useful information and advice to parents about the teaching of reading and developing a love for reading. Please use the link to take you to the Little Wandle parents’ page.