Phonics in Year 1

At Riddlesden St Mary’s 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.

Children in Year 1 review Phase 3 and 4. Below are some videos to support your child pronouncing these sounds. 

Children are taught to read and spell words using Phase 5 GPCs with fluency and accuracy.

How to say Phase 5 sounds | Videos & Movies on Vimeo

Autumn 1

This half term, we have been reviewing phase 2 and 3. We have also been reviewing phase 2,3 and 4 tricky words. 

Phase 5 graphemes learnt this half term:

- ay, ea, ou and oy.

Autumn 2

Teaching Reading

These: are taught by a fully trained adult to small groups, use books matched to the children’s secure phonic knowledge and are monitored by the class teacher, who rotates and works with each group on a regular basis. 

Each reading practice session has a clear focus, so that the demands of the session do not overload the children’s working memory. The reading practice sessions have been designed to focus on three key reading skills: decoding, prosody: teaching children to read with understanding and expression and comprehension: teaching children to understand the text.  

Home Reading

A decodable reading practice book is taken home to ensure success is shared with the family. Your child should be able to read the words in this book. Encourage them to read as fluently as possible and to remember their 'story teller voice'.

A reading for pleasure book will also go home for parents to share and read to children, your child will select this book on a weekly basis from the school library.

Reading books with your child | Videos & Movies on Vimeo

Useful documents

ls tricky words for parents phase 5 jan 2025.pdf