Phonics 

When children join us in Reception they immediately begin on a programme of phonic learning.  T Little Common School we use Read Write Inc (RWI).  RWI is a structured programme that helps children learn to read quickly and confidently. It introduces sounds in a clear order, teaching children how to blend these sounds together to read words and break them down (segment) to spell them. Children also learn simple rhymes and actions to help remember each sound, making reading fun and engaging. 

In daily lessons, children practise reading storybooks that match their phonics knowledge, building both accuracy and fluency. They also develop comprehension skills by discussing the stories, which supports vocabulary and understanding. RWI ensures that children gain the tools to become independent, enthusiastic readers, giving them a strong foundation for all future learning. 

As children become more secure readers, applying their phonic knowledge to decode, they move through the phonic banded books and on to early chapter books in preparation for Accelerated Reader.   

Accelerated Reader

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a programme that helps children develop a love of reading while tracking their progress. After completing a short quiz to determine their reading level, children choose books that match their ability, ensuring they are both challenged and successful. Once they finish a book, they take a short online quiz to check their understanding. 

This approach encourages regular reading, helps teachers monitor progress, and ensures children are reading books that are right for them. As children see their progress and achievements build over time, their confidence grows, and reading becomes a rewarding and enjoyable habit. 

 

Tips for Reading Aloud with Your Child 

Why? 

Reading with your child every day makes a huge difference. Children who read regularly are more likely to achieve academically and in their later careers. Reading supports improved literacy, higher scores in maths and spelling, stronger focus and memory, better mental wellbeing, increased confidence, and greater empathy. Research also shows that reading for pleasure is one of the most important factors in life achievement—more so than family background or parents’ education. 

Just a little time each day really helps; children who read regularly for pleasure are more likely to read above the expected level for their age, and just 10 minutes of reading a day can boost language, imagination, and concentration. 

• If you can, have a quick look at the book first so you know how you’d like to share it. 

When you read a story for the first time: 

• Make story time feel calm and special. 

• Show excitement and curiosity: “This looks fun… I wonder what will happen?” 

• Read the whole story right through without too many pauses—let your child enjoy the flow. 

• Don’t worry about repetition—children love hearing favourites again and again! 

When you come back to the story again: 

• Pause so your child can look at the pictures and talk about what they see. 

• If something seems confusing, explain it simply: “I think this means…” 

• Chat about what’s happening: “Why do you think she did that?” 

• Link the story to your own family life: “This reminds me of when we…” 

• Connect it to other stories your child knows. 

• Encourage them to join in with words or parts they remember.