Phonics Primary 1

Edinburgh Literacy Rich programme Guides Followed: Edinburgh Literacy Rich programme

The skills in Phonics Learning the letter sounds Learning letter formation Reading (blending) Writing (Segmenting)-Identifying the Sounds in Words Tricky words (important to note- they are all taught at the same time)

Learning the letter sounds The children will learn about 3 sounds per week. Sounds are taught in a multi-sensory way. We use a sound story, an action with sound (‘ssss’ for example),a song, flash cards and the sound sheets. Sample: (story, song with action and letter formation page)

Learning the letter sounds IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL THE LETTERS SHOULD BE INTRODUCED BY THEIR SOUNDS AND NOT BY THEIR NAME. ‘sssss’ not ‘ess’ for the letter s. After initial whole class input the children are supported by class teacher in small focus groups.

There are 42 main sounds but only 26 letters to represent them There are 42 main sounds but only 26 letters to represent them. This means that sometimes 2 letters are put together to make a sound (ch, sh, th etc). They are called digraphs. Digraphs are different from blends. They have one sound (sh in ship) but blends have two sounds (st in stop).

Reading (Blending) The phonic skill for this is to look at the letters, say the sounds in the right order and hear the word. This is called blending. Blending needs practice, but can start when six letter sounds have been taught (e.g the first ones- s, a, t, i, p, n). The children realise how the alphabetic code works for reading and can see that they can work it out for themselves.

Identifying the sounds in words (Writing/Segmenting) The aim is for the children to hear the sound and know if it is at the beginning, middle or end of the word. Some of the resources used include Magnetic boards/letters Whiteboard Dictation etc. DESIRED OUTCOME- independent writing.

Aim- to teach the children to hear the sounds in regular words and to write the letters that relate to the sounds (word building)

Tricky Words Irregular words are known as ‘tricky words’ because they are inclined to trick you! An example of this would be the word ‘she’- the ‘sh’ is a regular sound that they know but the ‘e’ is an ‘ee’ sound. Flashcards and other activities are used to reinforce and practice tricky words.

Practising At Home You will receive their sound booklet at the end of each week so can practice the sounds and actions with your child. You can also do the sound and ask them to write the letter. This will help further consolidate the writing. Encourage them to spot the sounds/tricky words in their school reading books or other books.