Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised is a systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) program designed to help children in the early stages of reading and writing.
Developed by Wandle Learning Trust and Little Sutton Primary School, the program is a response to updates in phonics teaching methods, ensuring that students build strong foundations in reading through structured, evidence-based practices.
With its integration into schools across England and internationally, Little Wandle has quickly become a trusted tool for educators, parents, and students alike.
What is Little Wandle?
Little Wandle is an enhanced version of the original Letters and Sounds program, tailored to meet the needs of modern classrooms.
The program is structured to provide daily phonics lessons from the beginning of Reception year through Year 1. It emphasizes consistency, repetition, and progression, which are crucial in helping children retain what they learn.
The program covers all aspects of phonics, from basic letter sounds to more complex grapheme-phoneme correspondences (GPCs), and is designed to prepare students for the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check.
Key Features of Little Wandle
Daily Phonics Lessons:
Little Wandle ensures that phonics is taught every day, with a focus on revisiting and reinforcing previously learned sounds. This regular practice helps embed phonics knowledge in children’s long-term memory.
Progression and Structure:
The program is carefully sequenced to ensure that children build on their knowledge in a logical order. This structured approach allows children to move from simple to more complex sounds and words systematically.
Parental Involvement:
Little Wandle includes resources for parents, allowing them to support their child’s learning at home. These resources include videos, pronunciation guides, and tips on how to practice reading with their child.
Collins Big Cat Books:
The program includes decodable books from the Collins Big Cat series, specifically matched to the phonics progression. These books are designed to reinforce the sounds and words children learn in their lessons, helping them practice reading with confidence.
Why Little Wandle Stands Out
Little Wandle is distinct because of its research-based approach and its commitment to ensuring that every child succeeds in reading.
The program is designed to be inclusive, catering to a wide range of learning abilities, including children with special educational needs.
Additionally, the resources and training provided to teachers ensure that the program is delivered consistently and effectively across different schools.
How Little Wandle Supports Reading and Writing
The focus of Little Wandle is not just on phonics, but also on developing fluency and comprehension. By practicing phonics through reading sessions, children not only learn to decode words but also to understand them in context.
This dual focus helps students become confident readers who can tackle increasingly complex texts as they progress through school.
Parental Support and Resources
One of the strengths of Little Wandle is its emphasis on involving parents in the learning process. The program provides a wealth of resources for parents, including:
- Teaching Videos: These videos demonstrate how to pronounce sounds and blend them into words, which parents can use to support their child at home.
- Practice Books: Children bring home practice books that are matched to their current phonics level, allowing them to reinforce what they’ve learned in school.
- Guides and Tips: Parents receive guidance on how to engage with their child’s reading practice, from discussing book content to helping with tricky words.
How Little Wandle is Implemented in Schools
Schools using Little Wandle receive extensive training to ensure that teachers are well-equipped to deliver the program.
The training includes how to assess children’s progress, adapt lessons to meet the needs of all learners, and use the program’s resources effectively.
Schools also have access to online materials, lesson plans, and assessment tools to track student progress and identify areas where additional support may be needed.
The Future of Little Wandle
As Little Wandle continues to be adopted by more schools, its developers are committed to updating the program based on the latest educational research.
This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that the program remains
.and effective in helping children develop the critical skills they need to succeed in reading and writing.
FAQs
What are Little Wandle Letter Sounds?
Little Wandle Letter Sounds are part of the Little Wandle Phonics program, which is a systematic approach to teaching phonics in schools.
It focuses on helping children recognize and pronounce individual sounds (phonemes) that correspond to specific letters or groups of letters. This method is widely used in early years and primary education to develop reading and writing skills in young children.
How does Little Wandle Phonics teach letter sounds?
Little Wandle Phonics teaches letter sounds through a structured program that breaks down the process into manageable steps. Children are introduced to individual letter sounds first, then taught how to blend these sounds together to form words. The program includes interactive lessons, activities, and resources designed to reinforce learning. This approach ensures that children gradually build their phonetic knowledge and develop strong reading skills.
Why does learning letters sound important in early education?
Learning letter sounds is crucial in early education because it lays the foundation for reading and writing. By understanding the relationship between letters and sounds, children can decode words more easily, leading to better reading fluency. Early mastery of letter sounds also boosts children’s confidence and encourages a lifelong love of reading.
What resources are available for practicing Little Wandle Letter Sounds at home?
There are various resources available for practicing Little Wandle Letter Sounds at home, including flashcards, online games, and phonics apps. Many schools also provide parents with access to digital platforms that offer interactive exercises aligned with the Little Wandle program.
Additionally, reading books that emphasize phonics and letter sounds can be a fun and effective way to reinforce learning outside of the classroom.
How can parents support their children in learning Little Wandle Letter Sounds?
Parents can support their children by regularly practicing letter sounds at home and engaging in activities that reinforce what they learn in school.
Simple games like sound matching, reading aloud, and using phonics apps can make learning fun and interactive. Consistency is key, so incorporating these activities into daily routines can significantly enhance a child’s phonics development.
What are some common challenges children face when learning letter sounds, and how can they be addressed?
Common challenges include difficulty in distinguishing between similar sounds, blending sounds together, and retaining information over time.
To address these challenges, it’s important to provide ample practice and use multisensory techniques,
such as visual aids, songs, and hands-on activities. Patience and encouragement are essential, as children may progress at different rates.
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