At Notre Dame du Rosaire, we take reading very seriously.  Children need to learn to read as quickly as reasonably possible, so they can move from learning to read, to reading to learn, giving them access to the treasure house of reading. From the moment children start in reception we start them on a programme of  systematic, synthetic phonics using the Little Wandle Scheme. This programme combines the teaching of sounds, supported by high quality decodable books, alongside developing a love of reading.  They will be taught phonics every day and take part in reading sessions at least 3 times a week as well as being heard read individually.

Follow this link for more information on Little Wandle

https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/

Once children complete the scheme, they continue the reading journey with our banded scheme of engaging reading books and whole class readers. A strong focus on reading fluency enables all children to move confidently from word recognition to comprehension and motivation. Children's love of reading is also developed through visits to our beautiful school libraries, book clubs, reading buddies and many other enrichment activities.

Writing lessons use a Talk for Writing approach based on a range of high quality texts. They encourage children to internalise the language structures needed through ‘talking the text’ as well as close reading. Varied and engaging activities follow a three-stage method: imitation, innovation and independent application. This allows children to move from dependence towards independence, with use of shared and guided teaching to develop the ability in children to write creatively and powerfully.

Technical vocabulary and grammar lessons are embedded purposefully and progressively within each series of lessons, to help children build these skills with an understanding of their power.