ELS: Essential Phonic Readers Review Books: Oxford Reading Level 4–5

A set of 10 phonic reading ‘Review’ books for the validated SSP programme, Essential Letters and Sounds, written by The Knowledge Trust and supported by Oxford’s quality reading books. These expertly written Essential Phonics Review books consolidate learning and enable children to practise previously taught phonemes. They are generally ‘unlocked’ in week 5 of every half term (6 teaching weeks) and other specified weeks within the Essential Letters and Sounds programme of teaching.

These 10 books will be used in the specified teaching weeks in Reception, from Summer Term 1, week 5, until Year 1 Spring Term 1, week 1. 

Schools who are familiar with Oxford reading books will find reference to the Oxford Level, book band and L & S Phase on the back cover of every book. Subscription to Essential Letters and Sounds will provide guidance on when to ‘unlock’ each reading book in the teaching weeks or use our handy guide here.

Children take home books that they can read and will enjoy re-reading 3 to 4 times. These quality readers will enrich children’s reading experiences with diverse, inclusive and exciting fiction and non-fiction texts. Reading books could be matched to a Letters and Sounds (2007) based reading programme.

Books contain the GPC’s and harder to read and spell words (HRSW’s) in line with the teaching of the ELS programme and Phases. Within this programme, books will be shared each Friday in the classroom.

These 10 ‘review books’ provide extra books that revisit sounds and consolidate learning, allowing staff the ability to review children’s learning and progress.

Suitable for:  Children at Oxford Reading Levels 4-5, Light Blue to Green Book Bands, 5-6-year-olds, Reception Primary 1, Year 1/Primary 2.

Each book will be fully fitted with a protective book jacket, free of charge, to preserve its lifespan in school.