Literacy
Reading
At Brackenhill Primary School, reading is central to early years education, fostering language development, literacy skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Through stories, rhymes, guided reading, book hooks, library sessions, and thematic activities, children build vocabulary, comprehension, phonemic awareness, and fluency. The school celebrates cultural diversity with books in multiple languages and encourages parental involvement to extend reading at home. Engaging with a variety of texts also supports cognitive development, imagination, creativity, and critical thinking, while promoting social and emotional growth through discussions about characters and experiences. By nurturing confident, competent readers from an early age, Brackenhill prepares pupils for academic success and lifelong learning.
Writing
Writing is a core focus in the early years, combining play-based learning with purposeful skill development. Children begin by strengthening fine motor skills through activities like ‘funky fingers’, dough disco, threading, and finger painting, which support pencil control and hand- eye coordination. They progress from mark-making with a variety of materials to emergent writing, experimenting with letters, words, and sentences, supported by approaches such as Scribble Club and Drawing Club that also enhance language and vocabulary. Writing is integrated into every day, meaningful activities, from role-play and creative tasks to labelling and list-making, fostering self-expression, communication, and cognitive development. By celebrating achievements and providing a rich, supportive environment, Brackenhill nurtures confident, competent writers who are prepared for future academic success.
Phonics
Phonics is a core part of early years education, tailored to meet each pupil’s needs and support progress. Nursery children begin with Phase 1 phonics, exploring sounds, rhythm,
rhyme, and oral blending, before progressing to the Read Write Inc. (RWI) scheme in Reception, which ensures books match children’s abilities and provides a consistent
approach across the school. RWI phonics develops foundational reading and writing skills through a systematic, structured, and differentiated programme, supporting early reading success, confidence, and academic achievement. It also integrates speaking and listening activities to build vocabulary and comprehension. Parents are engaged through workshops and online resources, enabling them to reinforce learning at home. Overall, phonics at Brackenhill equips children with the skills, confidence, and enjoyment needed to become proficient readers and writers.
Useful Information for Parents and Carers
https://alittlebutalot.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/picture-books-digital-library.pdf
Early Years Emily – Get kids ready for writing with play dough! Strengthen little fingers and hands whilst boogie-ing to music :)
https://www.youtube.com/@EarlyYearsEmily
GOV.UK – Physical development Fine Motor Skills
https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/physical-development/fine-motor-skills#why-fine-motor-skills-are-important
Hands-on play and developmentally age-appropriate activities to support with muscle building for writing
https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/about-me
Left handedness
Help for left handed children, their parents and teachers
https://lefthandedchildren.org/
Ruth Miskin Training – Films for Parents and Carers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbWIujM1WGM&list=PLDe74j1F52zSCiOMSn3zQDSzgu9TrbQ1c
