Phonics
At Bridge Street School, we believe that all our children can become fluent readers and writers. This is why we teach reading through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, which is a systematic and synthetic phonics programme.
On arrival at Bridge Street School pupils complete a phonics screening which allows staff to assess their phonic ability and fluency. Staff then use the Rapid Catch-Up programme for pupils who require additional support with phonics.
Daily phonics sessions also take place for cohorts who are continuing their phonics learning. These sessions are taught through the Little Wandle Scheme, all staff have completed the Little Wandle training to support pupils.
Reading
At Bridge Street School, we value reading as a crucial life skill. Our aim is for all children to read confidently for meaning and regularly enjoy reading for pleasure. We ensure our children are equipped with the tools to tackle unfamiliar vocabulary. We encourage our children to see themselves as readers for both pleasure and purpose.
We read to children every day using the class text. We choose these books carefully as we want children to experience a wide range of books, including books that reflect the children at Bridge Street School and our local community, as well as books that open windows into other worlds and cultures. These can link into topics and are implemented to widen exposure to vocabulary.
Every classroom has an inviting book corner that encourages a love for reading. We curate these books and talk about them to entice children to read a wide range of books. Each class or individual pupil is able to visit the school library to either enjoy a book with an adult, choose a new book or listen to a story.
During breakfast and registration time pupils are encouraged to read with a member of staff either in the library or other areas within school. This can be reading their phonics or accelerated reading book, a reading for pleasure book or listening to a story.
Accelerated reading is used once a student has secured their phonics, they will move to selecting books based on the ZPD level (Zone of Proximal Development) which is calculated from a Star Reader digital test. Regular quizzing of books and additional vocabulary quizzes all build points for students.
Reading at Home
We use the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised parents’ resources to engage our families and share information about phonics, the benefits of sharing books, how children learn to blend and other aspects of our provision.
All pupils take home a book matched to their reading ability, this may include a Little Wandle book for phonics and fluency or an accelerated reading book. They are also encouraged to take home a reading for pleasure book which they can share at home with an adult.
Pupils are encouraged and rewarded for reading at home and parents are supported with information about how to they can support with reading at home.
Term Overview and Useful Documents
100 Books to read before you Leave Primary School
