Highwood Copse Primary School

Reading 

Reading is one of the most important skills we can teach a child. When a child is able to read, their world opens up and their life prospects improve drastically.  

Because of the importance of reading, we have a dedicated attitude toward it at Highwood. As always, education is a partnership between school and home, so we urge you to work with us on enabling your child to discover the joy, wonder and opportunities that reading can bring.  

In key stage one and early years, all the children are heard read every day by an adult. We will record their reading in the yellow reading record which will be sent home with them. They will also be given separate books to enjoy at home, designed to be read to you. While our Highwoodians are developing their phonic awareness, they will receive books that closely relate to their phonics. Though evenings can be busy, we request for our parents/carers to do their absolute best to hear their child read every day. Once they have read with their child, we ask that they write a short comment in the record about how their Highwoodian did, for example any words they found tricky or learned, what they enjoyed about the story or how they responded to questions that were asked. We really value the dialogue that the records offer us, and we look forward to seeing how the reading of the children is coming along at home.  

Children learn to read in three ways. Therefore, alongside their usual reading books, you will also receive a ‘Shared’ story book, which you will read to your child (they may join in). I’ve created a video to show you exactly what this looks like and what to expect. Access this at:  

Highwood reading scheme information - YouTube

It’s important that children are given time to read for pleasure in school several times a week; they have access to a selection of books in their classrooms. We also read diverse, quality, age-appropriate literature to children several times a week through our ‘Story Time’ - you can see the book lists for these below.

highwood copse story time list 2023.pdf

Phonics

At Highwood Copse Primary School we follow the Read Write Inc. programme for the teaching of systematic phonics. Read Write Inc. Phonics teaches children to read accurately and fluently with good comprehension. They learn to form each letter, spell correctly, and compose their ideas step-by-step.

All Children are assessed in their phonic and reading fluency ability and taught accordingly to their ability. Children receive a daily phonics and reading session which is taught by our staff trained in the delivery of the programme. Children continue with the programme until they are fluent readers.

What is Read Write Inc. Phonics?

Watch these videos to find out more about how children learn to read, write and spell using Read Write Inc.

The Frieze

This video explains how to use the sound frieze used to help your child to remember the sounds and corresponding pictures found in Read Write Inc. Phonics.

 

Information for Parents: How to say the sounds

 Use this guide to support your child when practising the sounds at home:

Reading the stretchy sounds with your child

When we teach a sound with Read Write Inc. Phonics, we either 'bounce' or 'stretch' them when we say them out loud. 

Reading the bouncy sounds with your child

When we teach a sound with Read Write Inc. Phonics, we either 'bounce' or 'stretch' them when we say them out loud. 

Parent video: Reading the digraphs with your child

ome sounds are made by more than one letter, we call them Special Friends. Phonics that are made up of two letters, e.g. 'sh' - are called 'digraphs'. 

Sound-blending

Sound-blending' describes how children learn to join sounds together to make words with Read Write Inc. Phonics. 

Parent video: Why read to your child

Reading to your child is one of the most valuable things you can do as a parent to ensure their well-being. In this video, find out about the benefits of reading to your child.

Parent video: 10 things to think about when you read to your child

Watch our short parent tutorial - 10 things to think about when you read to your child.

Year 1 phonics screening check

In June each year the Year 1 children take part in a phonics screening check; children will also retake in year 2 if they didn’t achieve the necessary standard. The screen is part of the classroom routine and will be carried out by the class teacher. The children’s results are shared with parents and the school results published on the website.  

 

 

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