Phonics

At Gatehouse we teaching early reading and phonics through enjoyable, fun learning opportunities from the 'Read Write Inc' teaching programme.  

We ensure that all children have daily experience of action rhymes, songs and stories. We have a print rich environment with signs for children to read and an attractive book corner that houses a good range of stories, poetry and non-fiction books.  We model the process of reading and writing for children during their play.

Swirling ribbons on sticks, painting with decorators’ brushes outside and stirring mixtures in cooking are amongst the learning opportunities to help develop children’s shoulder and arm movements for writing. Fine motor skills and hand eye co-ordination are encouraged through such learning opportunities as finger rhymes, bead threading, pouring in the water tray and using tweezers to pick up small items. Opportunities for mark making are provided throughout our indoor and outdoor provision and the outcomes are celebrated on displays within our classroom.