We’ve had a fun week to round off the first half term, finishing with a little dance and some spooky circle games that brought lots of smiles!
After the break, we’ll be starting with our first focus text: Amelia Earhart from the Little People, Big Dreams series. In maths, we’ll be moving on to adding within 6.
In bookbags today, you’ll find new flashcards and a copy of this week’s phonics assessment. Please practise the highlighted sounds using the flashcards. Every bit of support at home really helps. If you need a reminder on how to pronounce the pure sounds, helpful videos are available on the Little Wandle website. Along with this, you’ll find a reading book and a reading record. Please use the record to note when your child reads with you at home. A simple entry with the date and the book title in one box is absolutely fine. There’s no need to write lots of detail. This helps us all keep track of how often your child is reading both at home and at school. This week’s books are currently wordless as we work on preparing the appropriate book to match your child’s phonics stage.
Supporting your child with reading
Although your child will be taught to read at school, you can have a huge impact on their reading journey by continuing their practice at home. There are two types of reading book that your child may bring home:
- A reading practice book. This will be at the correct phonic stage for your child. They should be able to read this fluently and independently.
- A sharing book. Your child will not be able to read this on their own. This book is for you both to read and enjoy together.
Reading practice book
This book has been carefully matched to your child’s current reading level. If your child is reading it with little help, please don’t worry that it’s too easy – your child needs to develop fluency and confidence in reading.
Listen to them read the book. Remember to give them lots of praise – celebrate their success! If they can’t read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together.
Sharing book
In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The sharing book is a book they have chosen for you to enjoy together.
Please remember that you shouldn’t expect your child to read this alone. Read it to or with them. Discuss the pictures, enjoy the story, predict what might happen next, use different voices for the characters, explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun!
I’m incredibly proud of how beautifully the children have settled into school life over these past seven weeks. I’m really looking forward to an exciting and joyful year ahead!
Wishing you all a wonderful half-term. See you back on Monday 3rd November!
Mrs. Mackett
