Inspired by: Tiddler - Curriculum Objectives

The 'Tiddler' module for Year 1 pupils, based on the book by Julia Donaldson, is a comprehensive guide to developing early literacy skills. It emphasises the importance of phonics for decoding words, encouraging students to quickly associate graphemes with their corresponding sounds, including any alternative sounds. The curriculum objectives include reading a variety of texts, such as common exception words and words with different suffixes like 's', 'es', 'ing', 'ed', 'er', and 'est'. Pupils are also taught to read words with contractions and to understand the role of the apostrophe. They practice reading aloud books that match their phonetic abilities, aiming to build fluency and confidence in word reading. The module fosters a love for reading by having pupils listen to, discuss, and connect a range of stories and poems to their own experiences. They learn to appreciate and recite rhymes, discuss word meanings, and understand books through teacher-provided context and vocabulary.

Writing skills are equally prioritised, with pupils learning to spell words containing the phonemes they have been taught, along with common exception words and days of the week. They explore the alphabet, add prefixes like 'un', and apply simple spelling rules. The module guides them in writing sentences, encouraging them to verbalise their thoughts before writing, sequence sentences to form narratives, and read their work aloud. Handwriting instruction includes correct pencil grip and letter formation, with an emphasis on understanding and practicing letter 'families'. Grammar and punctuation are introduced with basic rules like leaving spaces between words, using conjunctions, and beginning to punctuate sentences. The 'Tiddler' module is a multifaceted approach to literacy that combines reading comprehension, writing, spelling, and grammar to build a solid foundation for young learners.