English
Reading and writing are central to the school day. The vast majority of our written work links to our key themes, with teachers creating meaningful reasons, motivations and audiences for writing. This means that if children are focusing on science in a half term they might write explanations and learn the specific ‘writing toolkit’ for this genre and the relevant grammar linked to this. We want our children to see the purpose of reading and writing and believe this approach does that by providing meaningful contexts. Each piece of written work is carefully scaffolded to guide a child and extended pieces are marked by celebrating successes and identifying an area for improvement. Children are expected to reflect on their own writing and edit improvements to content, spelling and grammar. Alongside creative writing, children learn, as appropriate, aspects of spelling and grammar.
In KS1 children read daily. During this time there will be children reading in groups with an adult, whilst other children select and read books from the book corner or complete other book related tasks. In Reception children participate in a weekly a reading session using a levelled phonic reader from Read Write Inc. Across the school, some children read one-to-one with school staff or a parent helper. We actively encourage parents to come and support our teaching of reading in school and train them in the best approach to this.
We expect teachers to read a story to children EVERY DAY, these range from old favourites to class novels. We place great emphasis on high quality literature for children and dedicate money each year to buying new titles to regenerate book corners, read at story time, support topics and for guided reading.
Our policy describes our particular approach to the teaching of English.
Phonics at Belmont Infants
To support our teaching of reading and writing from Reception we follow the 'Read Write Inc.' phonics programme. The purpose of phonics to give children the skill of decoding which they use with grammatical and contextual understanding in order that they become fluent readers who love books.
To find out how to support your child follow this link: https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/find-a-book/read-write-inc-phonics--1/
Another recommended resource is the Oxford Owl website which is free to join and gives access to phonics, a range of online books and more: https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/
To hear the correct pronunciation of the letter sounds go to:
Set 1 sounds and blending demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zlfDcEP_78
Set 2 sounds and blending demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-Y4Ha4e7j4
Set 3 sounds and blending demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-Y4Ha4e7j4
Useful online phonics games to reinforce learning in a fun way:
http://www.ictgames.com/literacy.html
https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/
Ideas for practical games to play and make:
https://sightwords.com/sight-words/games/
Remember Haringey has an excellent library service - our nearest are Wood Green High Road and Marcus Garvey. Children can borrow up to SIX books for free!
https://haringey.gov.uk/libraries-sport-and-leisure/libraries/wood-green-central-library
https://haringey.gov.uk/libraries-sport-and-leisure/libraries/marcus-garvey-library
