Lizard Learners | Read With Me

In the dynamic landscape of primary education, early reading proficiency lays the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. As a Phonics Lead in my primary school, I've witnessed first-hand the transformative power of phonics instruction in empowering young learners to unlock the world of literacy. At the heart of our efforts lies the Key Stage 1 Phonics Screening Test — a pivotal assessment that provides valuable insights into each child's reading journey and informs targeted support strategies to ensure no child is left behind. Designed to assess children's decoding and blending skills , the Phonics Screening Test serves as a diagnostic tool for teachers, enabling us to identify those who may require additional support in mastering phonetic principles. Administered in Year 1, this test offers a snapshot of each child's reading abilities and informs instructional planning tailored to their individual needs. For children who do not meet the expected standa

In the realm of early childhood education, few methodologies hold as much weight and promise as phonics. Phonics, the method of teaching reading and writing by correlating sounds with symbols , forms the bedrock upon which proficient literacy skills are built. At its core lies a simple yet profound principle: the recognition and manipulation of phonemes—the smallest units of sound in a language. Let's embark on a journey through the world of phonics, starting with six foundational phonemes: s, a, t, p, i, n . These seemingly humble sounds are the building blocks upon which countless words are constructed. Through understanding their significance and mastering their combinations, learners unlock the ability to decode and comprehend a vast array of written language. Sounding Out Success : Picture a young learner encountering the letters 's,' 'a,' 't,' 'p,' 'i,' and 'n' for the first time. With guidance, they learn to associate each symb

Reading is often hailed as one of the most fundamental skills a child can acquire. It opens doors to knowledge, imagination, and understanding. But what many of us fail to realise is the Herculean effort it takes for young minds to decode the written word. As educators, parents, or mentors, we're familiar with the process of teaching children to read. We introduce them to phonics , guide them through letter-sound associations, and watch with pride as they slowly string together words. However, amidst this journey, it's easy to overlook the immense cognitive effort it demands from our young learners. Imagine this: a child encounters a simple sentence. To us, it may seem straightforward, almost effortless. But for the child, it's a mental marathon. Their brain must swiftly decipher each letter, associate it with its corresponding sound, blend those sounds together, and finally recognise the word. And this process repeats for every word in the sentence. It's akin to solvi

Learning to read can be an exciting journey for children, especially when it involves fun and engaging activities. By incorporating games into your child's reading routine, you can help them build essential literacy skills while having a blast. In this blog post, we'll explore five games that are not only enjoyable but also educational, designed to promote reading comprehension, vocabulary, and phonics. Word Bingo : Bingo is a classic game that can be easily adapted to help kids learn to read. Create bingo cards with sight words or vocabulary words your child is learning. As you call out the words, your child can mark them on their card. The first to get a bingo wins a small prize or gets to pick the next game. Sight Word / Tricky Word Memory : This game is a variation of the classic memory game. Create pairs of cards, with each pair containing a sight word your child is learning. Mix up the cards, then lay them out face down. Your child will take turns flipping over two car

  Reading is a fundamental skill , and as parents, we play a crucial role in helping our children embark on this journey. But where to start? The world of children's books is vast, and choosing the right ones can make a significant difference. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best books to kickstart your child's reading journey . "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle This classic book is a fantastic introduction to colours and animals. The repetitive nature of the text helps children predict what comes next, which is a crucial early reading skill. "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault This lively alphabet book is perfect for teaching letter recognition. The rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations make it a fun read-aloud for both parents and children. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle This book is a feast for the eyes, with its beautiful collage illustrat

When it comes to teaching children to read, phonics is often the go-to method. While phonics is a valuable tool, there are other approaches to reading instruction that can be equally effective. In this blog post, we'll explore some of these alternative methods and how they can be integrated into a comprehensive reading curriculum . Whole Language : Whole language is an approach to reading instruction that focuses on teaching children to recognise words as whole units , rather than breaking them down into individual sounds. This method emphasises the importance of context and meaning in reading comprehension . Whole language can be incorporated into a reading curriculum through activities such as shared reading , where children read along with an adult, and guided reading, where children read independently with support. Balanced Literacy : Balanced literacy is a comprehensive approach to reading instruction that combines elements of phonics, whole language, and other methods . T

Choosing the right reading curriculum for your child can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it's easy to feel lost in a sea of choices. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and strategies to help you navigate the world of reading curriculum and find what's best for your child. Know Your Child's Learning Style : Before diving into the world of reading curriculum, it's important to understand your child's learning style. Some children thrive with hands-on activities and visual aids , while others do best with a more traditional approach. Take some time to observe how your child learns best and keep this in mind as you explore different curriculum options. Research Different Approaches : There are many different approaches to teaching reading, from phonics-based programs to whole-language approaches . Take some time to research the different approaches and consider what aligns best with your child's learning style and needs. Consider Yo

Welcome to the magical world of literacy ! As parents, we play a crucial role in fostering a love of reading in our children. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a literacy-rich environment at home . In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and tricks to help you turn your home into a reading wonderland. Build a Home Library: One of the best ways to encourage reading is by having books readily available . Set up a dedicated space for books, whether it's a bookshelf in the living room or a cosy reading nook in your child's bedroom. Make sure to include a variety of books , from picture books to chapter books, and let your child choose what they want to read. Incorporate Reading into Daily Life : Find opportunities to incorporate reading into your daily routine . This could be reading a story before bedtime, having a family reading time, or reading signs and labels while out and about. The more your child sees reading as a natural part of life, the more likely

As parents, educators, and caregivers, we all want to instill a love of reading in children. But how can we encourage them to become active readers who truly engage with the text? In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of asking questions and making connections while reading , and how these certain reading activities can enhance a child's learning experience. Asking Questions: When children ask questions while reading , they become actively involved in the text and are more likely to understand and remember what they've read . Encourage your child to ask questions about the characters, plot, and events in the story. Questions such as "Why did the character do that?" or "What do you think will happen next?" can help your child develop critical thinking and comprehension skills . Making Connections : Encourage your child to make connections between the text and their own experiences, other books they've read, or the world around them. This

Reading together as a family is not only a fun and enjoyable activity, but it also has numerous benefits for children's literacy development. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of family reading time , how to start a family reading routine, and tips for maintaining it over time. The Importance of Family Reading Time : Reading together as a family helps foster a love of reading in children and strengthens the parent-child bond. It also provides an opportunity for children to learn new vocabulary, develop comprehension skills, and spark their imagination. Family reading time can be a special and memorable experience that children look forward to each day. How to Start a Family Reading Routine : To start a family reading routine, choose a time of day that works for everyone, such as before bedtime or after dinner. Create a comfortable reading space with plenty of pillows, blankets, and books. Let each family member choose a book to read aloud, or take turns reading

As parents and educators, we often hear about the importance of teaching children phonics and decoding skills . But what about sight words or tricky words or even common exception words? These high-frequency words play a crucial role in early reading development and are an essential part of a child's literacy journey. In this blog post, we'll explore the role of sight words in early reading and share tips on how to teach them effectively. What are Sight Words? Sight words, common exception words or tricky words are words that appear frequently in written text and do not follow regular phonetic patterns . These words are often difficult to sound out and must be recognised by sight. Examples of sight words include "the," "and," "you," "me," "was," and "are." The Role of Sight Words in Early Reading: Sight words are important for several reasons: Reading Fluency : Recognising sight words quickly and automatically help

Picture this, cosy blankets, comfortable chairs, and the soothing sound of your voice as you read aloud to your child . Reading together is more than just a bonding experience—it's a magical journey that opens up new worlds and fosters a love of reading . Today we'll explore the joy of reading aloud and share tips on how to make it a regular and enjoyable part of your family routine. The Power of Reading Aloud : Reading aloud is a wonderful way to share stories, build vocabulary , and strengthen family bonds. Here are some of the benefits of reading aloud: Language Development : Reading aloud exposes children to new words and helps them understand how language works. Comprehension Skills : Listening to stories helps children develop comprehension skills, such as predicting, summarising, and making connections. Bonding Time : Reading together creates precious memories and strengthens the bond between parents and children. Love of Reading : Reading aloud instills a love of readi