At Cotwall End, we follow the Jolly Phonics Programme. The children are taught the basic 42 sounds in Reception and from this, they learn to read using the Jolly decodable books, which are designed to be read in line with the children’s developing phonic knowledge. More sounds are taught and learnt, and then more trickier books are given to challenge the children further.

 

We thought the best way to show you our new books and how reading is taught would be by demonstrating our reading journey.

 

Independent studies find that after one year’s teaching, children taught with Jolly Phonics have an average reading age around 12 months ahead of their actual age. For spelling, the gain is usually slightly more. In addition, it is typical for all children to do well, whatever their social background and whether English is their first language or not, with boys doing just as well as girls.

 

We believe everything can be taught, so with your help let's start with reading!

 

How can you help?

 

As teachers we will give your children the ‘phonics code’ to read, blend and understand a range of wonderful books. At home, please support us by encouraging a love for reading by hearing your child read at least three times a week, taking the children to the library and making reading ‘come to life’ by experiencing what they have read. For example, a child who reads ‘skimming a pebble across the pond’ will understand it better if they get to do it! A child who loves reading about dinosaurs will understand a lot more if they go to the Natural History Museum. So, you can see our ‘real life’ opportunities also impact our learning.

 

At school we can hear your child read their home reader once a week. At home, this can be done as often as you can. For example, in the car, before bed, after school etc. Studies show that children who read more at home can increase their reading age significantly compared to those that don’t.

 

Let’s make a difference and give our children the gift of reading!