Early Reading

Early Reading at Funtington Primary School: Our Commitment to Little Wandle

At Funtington Primary School, we believe that early reading is a fundamental skill that sets the foundation for lifelong learning. We are excited to implement the Little Wandle phonics programme, which is designed to provide our pupils with a structured and systematic approach to reading.

What is Little Wandle?

Little Wandle is a comprehensive phonics programme that focuses on teaching pupils the skills they need to become confident readers. It emphasises the importance of phonemic awareness, enabling children to understand the relationship between sounds and letters. The programme is aligned with the latest educational standards and research, ensuring that our teaching methods are effective and evidence-based.

Our Approach

Structured Learning: Little Wandle provides a clear progression of phonics skills, ensuring that pupils learn to read in a logical and coherent manner. Each lesson builds on prior knowledge, allowing children to develop their skills step-by-step.

Decodable Books: We use a carefully curated selection of decodable books that match the phonics skills being taught. This ensures that pupils are reading texts that are appropriate for their level, promoting confidence and fluency.

Engaging Activities: Our lessons incorporate a variety of engaging activities that make learning to read enjoyable. From interactive games to storytelling, we aim to foster a love of reading in every pupil.

Parental Involvement: We believe that reading is a partnership between school and home. We encourage parents to engage with their children’s reading journey by providing resources and guidance on how to support phonics learning at home.

Our Goals

Through the implementation of Little Wandle, we aim to:

• Ensure that all pupils become confident and fluent readers by the end of Key Stage 1.
• Foster a love of reading by providing a rich and engaging reading environment.
• Support pupils from all backgrounds, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by enhancing their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Conclusion

At Funtington Primary School, we are committed to nurturing independent learners who are equipped with the skills they need to succeed. By implementing the Little Wandle phonics programme, we are laying the foundation for our pupils to develop a lifelong love of reading and learning.

For more information about our Early Reading programme or how you can support your child at home, please visit the parent section of the Little Wandle website following the link below.