Phonics and Writing in the Early Years.

1. Phonics and Writing in the Early Years. May 2012

2. How Phonics is taught in FS. • Using synthetic phonics – Ruth Miskin scheme.RML is our new phonics programme that ensures success in reading, writing and spelling. • RML is taught every day in Foundation Stage. • Children learn to read and write the sounds and words in the same lesson, so that they can hear the sound, read the sound and write the sound. (phonemes and graphemes)

3. How is RML taught? • Children learn all 44 sounds and blends. • They learn all the ways of writing the same sound, for example e,ee,ea,y. • They practise their ‘speedy sounds’ every day and then use these to blend for reading. • Fred is a frog who only speaks in single (pure) sounds. • Children learn to ‘sound out’ using Fred talk.

4. How you can help at home. • Play games like ‘I spy….’ • Flash cards • Play ‘Snap’ and ‘Pairs’ using letter sounds or key words. • Magnetic letters on the fridge. • Using BBC websites. • Encourage children to ‘sound out’ using Fred talk.

5. What do children need to know about writing? • That it’s fun. • That they can write for themselves. • That their work is valued. • Inspiration.

6. What things can you think of that might prevent children from wanting to write?

7. So, we need to create a supportive environment and provide children with the inspiration they need in order to write.

8. Work with a partner to come up with opportunities for writing in the following areas: • Small world play. • In the Sand • Outdoor Area • Construction • Water • Role play

9. How you can help at home. • Let children see you writing. • Make a simple shopping list before you go shopping/letters for Santa. • Leave little messages. • Make name labels, tags for toys or toy boxes. • Give children a variety of writing tools – different papers, pencils, chalks, paints etc.