Twinkl Phonics at The Willows Primary School
At The Willows Primary School we use the ‘Twinkl’ phonics scheme which is a fully validated systematic synthetic phonics teaching programme. We intend not only to provide children with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding essential for reading and writing, but also, to develop each child’s confidence, resilience and engagement in phonics lessons and a love for reading and writing.
Our Twinkl phonics programme offers a coherently planned sequence of lessons that supports the effective teaching of phonics within EYFS, KS1 and, where appropriate, KS2. Throughout Level 1, young learners develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to discriminate between and use auditory, environmental and instrumental sounds. Level 1 is taught daily in the Nursery and runs throughout the teaching of phonics Levels 2-6.
In Reception, children access a daily phonics lesson and work within Levels 2-4. Here learners are introduced to phonemes (sounds) and graphemes (letters) systematically. They also learn to develop and apply blending and segmenting skills for reading and writing. Within KS1, children are streamed into phonics groups based on half termly assessments of their phonic knowledge. The children in Years 1 and 2 access daily phonics lessons and aim to complete Level 5 by the end of Year 1. The coherently planned sequence of lessons within Level 5 allows opportunities for children to apply their phonics knowledge and skills as the prime approach to reading and spelling. It focuses on phonetically decodable two-syllable and three-syllable words and the alternative ways of pronouncing and representing the long vowel phonemes. Furthermore, children will develop their ability to attempt to read and spell increasingly complex words. The expectation is that children complete Level 6 by the end of Year 2. In Level 6, children explore spelling patterns and grammar while also developing a breadth of knowledge, skills and understanding in the recognition and spelling of common exception words.
For some children, the phonics journey continues as they move into KS2. This is where regular phonics interventions take place for those children requiring further support. These interventions follow the Twinkl phonics programme created especially for KS2 pupils. The Twinkl Phonics Progression Map sets clear expectations for pupil’s progress within the Twinkl Phonics Programme. The dynamic and engaging materials delivered in the daily planning packs within Levels 2-6 ensure a clearly defined structure to the teaching of phonics. The teaching PowerPoints, stories, games, additional texts and toolkits are meticulously planned to allow children to apply and practise phonics skills.
Through using the Twinkl Phonics Programme, children develop their phonics skills and knowledge through a systematic, synthetic approach, while covering the statutory requirements outlined in the National Curriculum. The programme prepares children for the statutory year 1 phonics screening check and following the programme ensures a consistent approach to phonics, which is clear to teaching staff and children.
Meet the Rhino Readers characters! These characters feature throughout the Rhino Readers books in the Twinkl Phonics Scheme.