Literacy at The Whiteoak Academies

If you read one book a day to your child, they will have been read 1825 books by the 5th birthday.

Every Book Counts

Literacy is a specific area in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

The statutory framework for the EYFS (2021) states ‘It is crucial for children to develop a life-long love of reading. Reading consists of two dimensions: language comprehension and word reading. Language comprehension (necessary for both reading and writing) starts from birth. It only develops when adults talk with children about the world around them and the books (stories and non-fiction) they read with them, and enjoy rhymes, poems and songs together. Skilled word reading, taught later, involves both the speedy working out of the pronunciation of unfamiliar printed words (decoding) and the speedy recognition of familiar printed words. Writing involves transcription (spelling and handwriting) and composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in speech, before writing).’

What are the expectations in Reception and by the end of the year?

Throughout Reception the children are supported in reaching the end of year expectations. These are called the Literacy Early Learning Goals.

By the end of Reception children at the expected level in Comprehension will:

Demonstrate understanding of what has been read to them by retelling stories and narratives using their own words and recently introduced vocabulary;

Anticipate – where appropriate – key events in stories;

Use and understand recently introduced vocabulary during discussions about stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems and during role-play.

By the end of Reception children at the expected level in Word Reading will:

Say a sound for each letter in the alphabet and at least 10 digraphs;

Read words consistent with their phonic knowledge by sound-blending;

Read aloud simple sentences and books that are consistent with their phonic knowledge, including some common exception words.

By the end of Reception children at the expected level in Writing will:

Write recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed;

Spell words by identifying sounds in them and representing the sounds with a letter or letters;

Write simple phrases and sentences that can be ready by others.