Totternhoe C.E. Academy
Growing together in knowledge love and faith
Phonics
Little Wandle Overview
Here at Totternhoe, we believe that it is important that the children read for pleasure as well as during their learning. Reading the books they enjoy not only increases their confidence and understanding of stories, but also their vocabulary . Quality children's literature is a vast source of interesting vocabulary for children rivaled only by technical texts for adults. Books also allow access to places and situations where we may not or cannot go, as the author Neil Gaiman said "A book is a dream you hold in your hands."
Little Wandle Phonics
At Totternhoe Church of England Academy, we are introducing the Little Wandle Phonics Scheme in September 2026.
Here is a link to the Little Wandle Parent page where you can find more information about the scheme.
Year 1 Phonics Screening Check
During the Summer term every Year 1 child will take part in the Government Phonics Screening Check. This is a check which involves children reading 40 decodable words (words that they can 'Fred talk') using their phonic knowledge. The 40 words will include 20 'nonsense' words in order to ensure use of phonics as opposed to sight recognition of words. This is a progress check to identify those children not at the expected level in their reading. The results will be reported to parents. Children will be re-checked in Year 2 if they do not reach the expected level. Any child working below the level of the screening check, may be dis-applied, with the acknowledgment of the parent/carer.
You can find out more about the check by clicking here.
Click the links below to access past papers and practise at home.
Teach Your Monster to Read
In Reception and Year 1, we are also teaching our monsters to read at school and at home. Each child has their own login details and can earn certificates and letters from their monsters. If you need reminding of your child's login details, please speak to your child's teacher.
Click here to login to Teach Your Monster to Read.
Click here to login to Teach Your Monster to Read.
Phonics in Key Stage 2
If children in Key Stage 2 experience difficulty in reading and/or writing because they have missed or misunderstood a crucial phase of systematic phonics teaching, we use 'keep up' phonics from Little Wandle to support the children at their level of need to help them achieve their full potential. |