Teaching Phonics
Prioritising early reading is key! At Bowbrook Primary School we ensure a high quality phonics approach is in place as it is key in helping your child to learn to read and write. Phonics is taught through a daily letters and sounds programme in small groups and staff are rotated so children are regularly taught by the teacher. In EYFS the daily group sessions are invaluable as it sets the foundation for pupil’s education and transition to reading and writing in Year 1. To support parents with phonics at home we run parent information sessions in school.
We use a validated phonics scheme Unlocking Letters & Sounds which ensures consistent teaching, matched individual reading and guided reading books, resources for teachers and parents and staff CPD. Our teachers are experienced in teaching phonics using this scheme.
Reading
Children in EYFS and Year 1 follow a shared reading approach. The children are able to develop their reading skills through high quality discussion and begin to understand what has been read and create links both within the text and beyond. These skills allow them to continue their reading journey up the school.
Reading for Pleasure
We want the children to love reading and so we have lovingly sourced a great selection of new books for our school including Nursery and Reception reading corners. We believe in buying popular favourites that the children recognise and enjoy. We have a fantastic library too! Part of our reading mission is to ensure that reading is fun and high profile and kept exciting with a series of events and initiatives in school for us all to get involved in such as World Book Day and Author visits.