The Sand Castle: Learn Endings ...tion & ...ture - Teacher Notes

The Sand Castle reading pack is an educational resource designed to help children learn the phonetic endings ...tion, as in the word 'imagination', and ...ture, as in 'capture'. This particular pack also introduces learners to silent letters within words. The Learn To Read With Phonics Reading Packs offer a structured, six-month programme suitable for a wide range of learners, starting from the age of four. They are especially beneficial for older children who may be reluctant readers, those with learning difficulties, and children for whom English is not their first language. The packs are versatile and can be used in one-to-one sessions or small group settings, involving a teacher or a parent/guardian working alongside the child.

The content of the packs is engaging, featuring a series of stories about a lovable character named Sam, and it is designed to build up 44 phonetic sounds. As children progress through the adventures, they are encouraged to search for hidden sounds within the text. This method of learning phonics enables children to read approximately 80% of words in the English language by breaking them down into individual sounds or syllables. The programme is structured to introduce simpler sounds first, before progressing to more complex phonetic patterns and silent letters. To reinforce the learning process, the packs include cut-out practice pages and are filled with fun illustrations that appeal to young readers. Upon completion, children are prepared to advance to independent reading of more complex books.