To read English successfully, children must learn to turn the words they see in a text into sounds and make sense of these sounds. This skill is fundamental, as it enables them to decode written language effectively, fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning. 

At our school, we implement the Twinkl phonics scheme, a comprehensive and structured approach to teaching phonics that ensures every pupil has the opportunity to learn to read, regardless of their specific needs or abilities. This scheme is thoughtfully designed to engage learners and is adaptable to fit diverse learning styles. By utilising a practical teaching approach, the scheme embeds phonics learning into long-term memory, allowing children to recall these vital skills as they progress.

Phonics, at its core, is a method of learning to read by decoding words into voice sounds. Children delve into how letters correspond to sounds (graphemes to phonemes), exploring examples like ‘c’ in ‘cat’, ‘ll’ in ‘fell’, and ‘ee’ in ‘sheep’. This foundational knowledge equips them to tackle new words with confidence, significantly enhancing their reading and writing skills. As they advance through the phonics programme, they build the confidence to engage with texts, instilling a sense of achievement that encourages further exploration of literature.

Use the link below view/download a copy of our Parents’ guide to phonics teaching in The Brier School.