Phonics at Woodhall

“If a child memorizes 10 words, the child can only read 10 words. But if a child learns 10 sounds, the child will be able to read 350 three sound words, 4,320 four sound words and 21,650 five sound words.” Martin Kozloff

What is Phonics?

Good reading start with a strong knowledge of phonics! At Woodhall, we follow the Twinkl Phonic Scheme which is full of engaging stories, fun activities, silly rhymes and songs. Phonics are the building blocks of reading and help children develop the necessary skills to tackle new words and build fluency as they progress throughout the school.

A detailed breakdown of the knowledge and skills children acquire at each level is outlined in the Twinkl Phonics Scheme Overview.

This video gives a helpful introduction:

Level 1

Level 1 prepares children for reading and writing by exploring sound. It looks at environmental, instrumental, and body percussion sounds, alongside rhythm, rhyme, and oral blending/segmenting to help children develop their listening and sound production.

For a quick overview, watch this video:

Level 2

Here are the sounds your little reader will be introduced to in Level 2:

Here is a helpful guide on letter formation:

Level 3

When your reader has completed Level 2, they will learn more complex sounds in Level 3.

Level 4

Level 4 Phonics consolidates Level 2 and 3 sounds focusing on blending and segmenting words. In Level 4, readers build reading fluency, spelling confidence and mastery of tricky words.

Resources to Help Build Fluency in Level 4:

Blending:

Tricky Words:

Level 5

Level 5 Phonics focuses on building children’s knowledge of sounds and spellings.

Phonics Screening Check

In Year One, children take a Phonics Screening Check where they must read words including all of the sounds they have learnt so far. If a child does not pass the Phonics Screening Check, they have another chance to catch up and try again in Year Two.

For more information on the Phonics Screening Check, watch this video: