Phonics and Spelling
Phonics
At The Ridge we use the Sounds-Write approach for the teaching of phonics. Sounds-Write begins with the sounds of the English language and teaches children the matching spelling correspondences. Through the Sounds-Write approach, children master the skills of segmenting, blending and manipulating sounds in order to read and spell. They also learn the alphabetic code knowledge needed in order to read accurately and fluently, as well as the key concepts about the alphabetic code. These concepts are:
- letters are symbols that represent sounds.
- sounds can be spelled using 1, 2, 3 or 4 letters.
- the same sound can be spelled in different ways.
- the same spelling can represent different sounds.
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive a daily 30-minute phonics session.
Find out more about how we teach Phonics under the Reading tab.
You can find out more about Sounds-Write, including information for parents here: https://www.sounds-write.co.uk/page-84-downloads-links-for-parents-teachers.aspx
Spelling
In Key Stage 2 children spelling is taught using Jason Wade’s ‘Sounds and Syllables’ approach. Sounds and Syllables compliments the Sounds-Write approach as both focus upon the sounds of the English language and matching the correct code (spellings) to it.
Sounds and Syllables teaches all aspects of spelling in a simple, logical way using a 5 step sequence:
More information about Sounds and Syllables can be found here: http://jweducation.co.uk/spelling/
Handwriting
At The Ridge, Kinetic Letters is used to teach handwriting. Kinetic Letters is a systematic, high-quality teaching programme.
Our English lead is a Kinetic Letter Facilitator Trainer.
More information about Kinetic Letters can be found here:
Writing
CUSP writing is a ‘reduce and revisit’ model of writing. Overviews are carefully sequenced so that units are introduced (Block A) and are revisited (Block B). Teachers adapt their teaching between Block A and Block B to ensure that teaching builds upon what children already know and what they can already do.
