Phonics

At SSMM, phonics is taught daily to all children in Reception, Year One and Year Two. We use the 'Phonics Bug' programme to teach children the letters of the alphabet and their matching sounds.

What makes Phonics Bug so special?

• Phonics Bug meets 100% of the DfE criteria for teaching systematic synthetic phonics. 

• Encourages young readers with beautiful artwork, humour, loveable characters and books and topics they really want to read.

• Fast, effective phonics lessons using CBeebies videos and interactive whiteboard activities.

• Prepare and Assess online games, word generator and mock tests for the Year 1 screening check.

• Combines an online reading world with stunning eBooks and beautiful printed books to spark enthusiasm.

Phonic sessions are taught 5 days a week and within this lesson, guided reading takes place, linked to the new taught sound for that day. Children are taught in small groups based on their ability for phonics within their own class.

By the end of Reception, children are expected to know all Phase Three sounds. By the end of Year One all children are expected to know all Phase Five sounds. When finishing Key Stage One, most children are secure in Phase Six sounds. This phase moves away from learning sounds and focuses on spelling rules and patterns.

At the end of Year One all the children in the country take a test called a Phonics Screening. They have to read 40 real and nonsense words. We call the nonsense words ‘Alien words’ and the children practice reading them every day.

For more information on how you can support your child in learning to read, click on the helpful links below. If you have any questions, please see your child's class teacher.