Big Cat Collins Reading Scheme

Application of Phonics to Reading & Beyond

Children need to be given regular opportunities to apply the phonics they have learned to reading fully decodable books. The 'BIG Cat Collins' reading books from Phase 2 through to Phase 5, match the progression of 'Little Wandle: Letters and Sounds Revised' and enable every child in Reception and Year 1 to read confidently and fluently at home. These books are also available to those children in Year 2 and above who need additional time to learn how to apply their phonics to reading. Once automatic and fluent reading has been established, the children continue through the 'BIG Cat Collins' reading scheme until they are 'Free Readers'. 

In addition, our children have a library slot every other week in which they can choose a library book to take home and read for pleasure and are able to choose a book from the classroom books on the alternative week. 

Parents and children are actively encouraged to share both of these books together every evening so that reading fluency and reading for pleasure remain at the heart of our curriculum.  Our home learning activities, linked to each Key Stage topic, also give our children further cross-curricular reading opportunities at home.