Following the successful Phonics parent meeting last week, families returned to school for a hands-on Phonics workshop in one of our Reception classrooms, allowing Preschool pupils and their parents the opportunity to see the theory come to life.
The session introduced a range of engaging early phonics activities designed to help children develop their listening and sound recognition skills. Parents and children explored vocal sounds, animal noises, environmental sounds and simple instrumental tones, helping to build the foundations that support early reading development.
One of the highlights of the workshop was a creative activity where the children made their own instruments using everyday materials. This allowed them to experiment with the different sounds they could create, while also reinforcing the idea that sounds can be found and explored all around them.
To finish the session, the group headed outside for a listening walk around the school grounds. Wearing handmade “listening ears” headbands, the children carefully tuned in to the sounds around them, identifying what they could hear in the environment and putting their new listening skills into practice.
Workshops such as this form an important part of the transition into Reception. At AKS Lytham, we put a strong focus on ensuring that our pupils move into the next stage of their learning feeling confident, prepared and familiar with the school environment. Opportunities for parents and children to learn together, help build this confidence, supporting a smooth and positive start to Reception life.
We would like to say a huge thank you to the parents who attended, as well as Mrs Barker and Mrs Jennings, for putting on the workshop.