What is phonics?
Phonics is a way of teaching children to read quickly and skilfully. They are taught how to recognise the sounds that each individual letter makes; identify the sounds that different combinations of letters make such as ‘sh’ or ‘oo’. Plus blending these sounds together from left to right to make a word.
Children can then use this knowledge to ‘de-code’ new words that they hear or see. This is the first important step in learning to read. There are around 40 different phonemes for children to learn throughout their time at Michael Faraday. Below is a useful video showing the correct pronunciation of the 40 phonemes:
Phonics Mat:
What will your child be learning at Michael Faraday?
At Michael Faraday Phonics is taught daily throughout the Early Years and Key Stage One. Children then continuously build and apply this phonic knowledge throughout Key Stage 2.
In Nursery children are taught:
Phase 1 – Autumn and Spring Term
Phase 2 – Summer Term
In Reception children are taught:
Phase 2 – Autumn Term
Phase 3 – Spring Term
Phase 4 – Summer Term
In Year One children are taught:
Phase 4 – Autumn Term
Phase 5 – Spring and Summer Term
In Year One Summer Term children will also be taking the Phonics Check.
In Year Two children are taught:
Phase 5 – Autumn Term
Phase 6 – Spring and Summer Term
How can you support your child at home?
Here are some useful websites that we are happy to recommend. All of these resources are free to use.
Nursery
Reception
Year One
Mr Thorne Phase 5 Video:
Year Two
Phonics Check information:
It is very important that you continue to read and enjoy books with your child at home. You may want to discuss some of the sounds in the words they are reading and refer to the sound mat if they are unsure.
