linguistic phonics · Susan Godsland · synthetic phonics

Linguistic versus synthetic phonics

Someone on the Reading Reform Foundation website recently asked what were the differences between linguistic and synthetic phonics. Although some people claim that the differences between linguistic phonics and synthetic phonics are minimal, I would contend that they are enormous and, furthermore, that these differences have profound consequences for teaching and learning. To begin with, the… Continue reading Linguistic versus synthetic phonics

DfE · Peter Crome · phonics

Policy in place, practice not undertaken!

Reflections on the statement by the DfE that only 27% of schools use phonics systematically:Peter Crome, professor of geriatric medicine at Keele University and chair of the National Audit of Dementia, was talking on Radio 4 this morning about the Audit’s findings. As I listened, I heard him say that the ‘policies were in place,… Continue reading Policy in place, practice not undertaken!

Sounds-Write · Y1 phonics screening test

That Y1 phonics screening test again

Following on from my previous posting, although the Y1 phonics screening test should literally be ‘child’s play’ for pupils taught using a good quality phonics programme, it looks very much as if it won’t be much fun for the 73% of schools not teaching phonics well. For them, the check is going to come as an unpleasant… Continue reading That Y1 phonics screening test again

Alison Hatch · Teacher of the Year

Praise for Sounds-Write from former Teacher of the Year

Alison Hatch, Deputy Headteacher at Reculver CE Primary School in Kent was recently trained in Sounds-Write on one of our Kent trainings by Derrie Clark. She described it as a ‘light bulb moment’ in her career and in her understanding of how reading and spelling should be taught.Alison won the National Primary Teacher of the Year… Continue reading Praise for Sounds-Write from former Teacher of the Year