Workshops & Information for Parents

Phonics Workshop 14th November 2023

We held a phonics drop-in session for any families who had any questions or queries about Little Wandle. We know everyone is into the swing of things now and we are feeling more confident with our programme. Please find the slides below if you do need any more information. Thank you.

There are so many ways you can help your child at home develop their reading and writing skills! I have compiled a list below of ideas to get you started if you are unsure. Always know, that all of the teachers in school are happy and willing to help… just come and find us!

• Talk to your children (a lot!). Drown them in language! Even when “just a baby,” talk and sing to them about everything… about their eyes, nose, ears, mouth, and fingers. Talk to them about  family, memories and plans. Reading is a language activity, and if you want to learn language, you’d better hear it, and eventually, speak it. Many parents feel a silly talking to a baby or young child, but studies have shown that exposing your child to a variety of words helps in their development of literacy skills.
• Read with your child and have them read to you. Reading is so important and you can watch me explain it in more detail in the video above. Whether it is reading their school book three times a week to help them practice, have them reading or telling you a story or the bedtime read before snuggling down for the night… read, read, read!
• Promote reading and writing in the house – if you show good attitudes to reading and writing, the chances are the children will mirror you. How often does your child see you sit down to read a good book for pleasure?
• Ask lots of questions and allow your child to ask them too! Inquisitive minds and curiosity are the foundation of all learning and questions will spark conversation (filled with language) and also deepen understanding.
• Have your child help you write the shopping list before heading out (great practice of simple writing, especially younger children and their phonics!)
• Write to a relative or set up a pen pal… the art of letter writing is dying out, especially when video calling and social media make day-to-day life so much easier. But there is something magical in writing and receiving letters!

There are so many ways you can help and simply helping them with their reading and writing homework each week will be hugely beneficial to your child. Anything you can do, no matter how small it may seem, will only help your child on their reading and writing journey!