At this time of year we would be focusing on applying our phonics skills.  To make sure we recognise the sounds in words and can read sentences containing these words.  

Please click on the link to read a free eBook from Oxford Owl which is focusing on these sounds.  Your child may need support reading this book, please share it and support them.

  https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/api/interactives/12987.html

  https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/api/interactives/13017.html

To read these books you need to have registered for Oxford Owl Free eBooks.  Click here to register and access these free books:  https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/user/sign_up.html

Please practice reading these Sound Spotter Stories which focus on a sound a story.  If you child would like to extend these activities you could print them out, cut out the pictures and ask them to write a sentence to go with the picture. 

Please be aware that some children may require help with these stories.  Read with your child and if they find it difficult can you model how to read it.  So sound out (spell) each word and then say the sounds faster and faster and then say the word.  When you reach a tricky word or a high frequency word (and, the, in, to - see the attached sheets for the high frequency words) then don't sound it out, just say the word and say out loud, "This is a word I recognise from the shape of the letters."  We do not expect every child to be able to read these sheets, by reading with them you are modelling the skills they need and teaching them how to read.  We read for enjoyment so please have fun reading and you could even think of another sentence to go with them.  

A sound spotter story: 

Additional activities you could do could be:

• Write the sounds on pieces of paper, do 3 or 4 of each sound and put one on each step of your stairs.  Encourage your child to say the sounds as they stand on each step. 
• Write the sounds in chalk on the floor outside, shout out a sound and throw teddies/balls onto that sound.  You could shoot them with a water gun or use a nerf gun, etc.  Whatever will motivate your child the most.
• Play hide and seek with the sounds.  This could then be developed into a word game.  Write a word by writing the sounds on separate cards e.g. y - e - ll.  Hide the sounds around the house and explain to your child they need to find the sounds and make the word 'yell'.  Your child will have to work out the sounds they need to find and bring all 3 back to you to make the word. 

Words: y - yap yes yet yell yum - yum

z zz - zip Zak buzz jazz zigzag

qu - quiz quit quick quack liquid