{SECTION_MENU}
Phonics and Reading
Phonics
At Hawthorns, we understand that a secure knowledge of phonics is the foundation for reading. Phonics is taught through the 6 different levels of the Systematic, Synthetic Twinkl Phonics Framework. These levels gradually progress in difficulty, and it has been proven many times to be the most effective way of children learning to read and spell. Phonic activities are set within a broad and rich language curriculum and the transfer of knowledge and skills are encouraged whenever possible.
Our phonics framework is split into 6 levels following the Systematic, Synthetic Twinkl Phonics programme. These levels build on prior knowledge and progress in difficulty.
Level 1: Works on the foundation skills needed to develop word reading, blending and segmenting. Taught through one to one, small group and attention autism sessions.
Level 2 – 6: Introduces new phonemes through 24 steps which are taught using the Revisit, Teach, Practice and Apply method. Children working at level 1 phonics will be experiencing stories through Attention Autism, sensory stories, and story boxes. Children working at levels 2 and 3 will begin to develop reading skills using decodable books in phonics sessions. Alongside this, they will participate in story boxes and sensory stories to develop comprehension and imagination skills. Children working at levels 3 to 6 will participate in group guided reading sessions to develop reading skills, comprehension and book knowledge. All levels will use high quality resources that will engage and encourage the children to access books.
Through the teaching of systematic synthetic phonics, our aim is for children to develop and improve their reading ability alongside developing fluency and comprehension. Attainment in phonics is measured by ongoing teacher assessments and, where appropriate, the Phonics Screening Test at the end of Year 1. The impact of our phonics curriculum can also be seen in children’s writing
How children learn phonics - a guide for parent and carers.
Reading
At Hawthorns, we believe reading opens up the world of learning, it brings great pleasure and enjoyment and builds children’s self-esteem and confidence. There are numerous approaches to teaching reading throughout the school so we have developed a ‘Hawthorns Reading Framework’, which we believe embodies the essential ingredients to promote accelerated progress in Reading. Quality resources and creative approaches ensure learning opportunities are engaging, fun and capture the imagination. We encourage all our parents to work in partnership with us to support their children in developing reading skills because we know that our pupils greatly benefit when home and school work together.
We believe reading opens up the world of learning, it brings great pleasure and enjoyment and builds children’s self-esteem and confidence. There are numerous approaches to teaching reading throughout the school so we have developed a ‘Hawthorns Reading Framework’, which we believe embodies the essential ingredients to promote accelerated progress in Reading. Quality resources and creative approaches ensure learning opportunities are engaging, fun and capture the imagination. We encourage all our parents to work in partnership with us to support their children in developing reading skills because we know that our pupils greatly benefit when home and school work together.
The current reading schemes we use include;
- Twinkl Rhino Readers
- Collins Big Cat
- Pearson Bug Club
