Early Reading and Writing Through Phonics

Phonics is one approach we take to the teaching of early reading and writing. The DfE Validated Phonics Program that we use is Little Wandle and this forms the basis of our phonics planning during children's first years at Hornbeam.  We enrich this curriculum with a spelling programme taught in discrete sessions.  We foster a love of reading (Learn to Love learning, to live life better) from the start.  Sharing quality texts and modelling positive reading behaviours. The use of phonics is encouraged and utilised to form the building blocks of early writing. 

To help parents explore the world of phonics with children at home, here are some great websites

Little Wandle Letters and sounds - Interactive games for all phases of phonics delvelopments.

Phonics Play - Free games across the phonics stages. There is a subscription fee to access even more

BBC Bitesize - Video clips from BBC programmes exploring phonics and reading

ICT Games - A selection of phonics and other literacy games

Children take home a book in line with their level of phonetic knowledge. They can practice the skills they have been taught in school by reading these books at home. The expectation is for children to read at home daily with an adult. In addition to these books, many will choose to take an additional ‘shared reader’ book home. These books can be above the children’s level, and as such are labelled ‘Shared reader. For more detailed information please visit the attached link. Please support your child by making the time to share books together at home. If you would like any further details, please speak to your class teacher.  

Engaging Parents & Carers Home Reading

Independent Reading at Hornbeam

Accelerated Reader

We have a well stocked library of fiction and non-fiction books. When they are judged to have reached a good level of independence in reading, children are encouraged to choose their own books from our library. All our fiction books are part of the Accelerated Reader scheme, which is an online tool we use to inspire and motivate our 'free readers' to choose challenging and interesting books. .

When they have completed a book children are asked to complete an online quiz to see how well they have understood what they have just read. This helps us ensure your child is choosing books appropriately and making progress with their reading.

As parents you can use the AR Bookfinder website to look for books in our library that your child is interested in reading. To do this enter the keycode GG588517 in the box at the top left of the web page.

 Click here to visit the Bookfinder Website 

You can also search for other books by title or author to see if they are part of the Accelerated Reader scheme. This could help you choose books to buy at home that will count on our Accelerated Reader scheme and allow your child to take quizzes on at school. 

You can also log in to the Accelerated Reader Home Connect area and see how your child is progressing with their reading. Use the username and password that has been sent home by letter.

Click here for Accelerated Reader Home Connect
Click here to see the Parents Guide to Home Connect 

Writing

At Hornbeam, we believe that in order for children to develop literacy skills, there need to be stimulating and fun writing opportunities. Teachers use a broad range of texts, experiences and interests to provide a broad range of writing tasks. This can include experiences from the entire curriculum, and for many in year 6, a chance to contribute to the school newspaper (The Hornbeam Herald)

We value and understand the variety of skills needed to become a writer, so our curriculum has balance and coverage in line with the curriculum, and is responsive to the needs of each child. 

We are proud to celebrate our writing progression and journey through our display in the foyer. Have a look next time you are passing by.

The Hornbeam Herald

The Hornbeam Herald has been running for over 10 years. It has been created by the children who have the control and creative direction for each edition's content.

The paper is circulated electronically to the school community and proudly displayed in the foyer and dining room.