Learning to read is one of the most important things your child will learn at Crossdale. It helps them access the whole curriculum, grow in confidence and develop a love of books.
At Crossdale, we teach reading through the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme. This is a systematic programme that helps children learn the sounds letters make, blend sounds together to read words, and build fluency step by step.
Teaching is carefully sequenced and regularly reviewed, so children keep moving forward and extra support can be put in place when needed.
The most useful thing you can do at home is to watch the Ruth Miskin parent films here:
https://www.ruthmiskin.com/parentsandcarers/
There are 17 short films that show you how to support your child with Read Write Inc. Phonics at home. They include how to say the sounds correctly and how to help your child blend sounds to read words.
Once your child is at Crossdale, they will bring home books matched to the sounds and words they already know. This is important. It helps children feel successful and builds confidence. Sometimes a book may seem easy, but re-reading familiar books helps children become more fluent and expressive readers.
You can help by:
- listening to your child read regularly
- helping them sound out and blend words
- using sounds rather than letter names when practising phonics
- reading stories to your child often
- talking about books, pictures, characters and new words
Please trust your child’s teacher to choose the right reading books for them. These decisions are based on regular assessment and careful review of each child’s progress.
Regular attendance is also very important. Phonics builds day by day, so every lesson helps your child take the next step.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s reading, please speak to us. We are here to help.