Phonics
Phonics
We teach children to read through the Read, Write Inc (RWI) phonics programme. Children begin the programme as they enter Nursery and we aim for children finish the programme in Year 2. Those that need additional support will continue to participate in daily phonics lessons. One to one tutoring and ‘catch up’ sessions support children in keeping up with the progression of the programme.
What is Read Write Inc?
Read Write Inc (RWI) is a systematic programme that teaches children the 44 sounds in English, the letters that represent them, and how to form the letters when writing.
We have put together a guide to how the RWInc programme works together with some useful links.
(please click on the pictures below for the videos)
Beginning the programme
Children begin the RWI programme in Nursery. The Nursery programme sets the foundations for learning letter sounds.
Children learn to:
- Orally say ‘pure sounds’.
- Blend sounds in words (Fred talk)
- Name objects.
Pure Sounds
We use pure sounds (‘m’ not’ muh’,’s’ not ‘suh’, etc.) so that your child will be able to blend the sounds into words more easily. Please watch the video showing how to make sounds pure.
Fred talk
Fred Frog is a fun character who can say and read words only in pure sounds. He segments sounds in words for children to blend. Fred has a range of fun interactive games that children can participate in at home; these are sent home weekly.
Naming objects
These are the objects that they will need when learning individual sounds. They are used throughout the RWI programme to support the teaching of phonics and letter sounds.
In the term before starting Reception, Children will learn a new sound every day.
The sounds the children learn are introduced in three sets. Set 1 sounds are called ‘special friends.’ ‘Special friends’ are two letters that make one sound.
Set 1
Set 2
|
Set 3
|
What reading books will my child have?
Read Write Inc reading books are written using only the sounds that the pupils have learnt at each level. This ensures that all children feel confident and successful at every stage of their reading. This book enables your child to practise the sounds they have been taught – practise is essential so that these new sounds are not ‘lost’ before adding more. Children enjoy sharing their success by reading these books aloud to you and they will respond to your encouragement.
What are Red and Green Words?
All books will have red and green words to learn.
Green words are linked to the sounds they have been learning and are easily decodable. You can ‘Fred talk’ these words.
Red words are not easily decodable and you ‘can’t Fred a red!’ This means that we say the word and do not try to sound it out. Pupils are taught to recognise these words by sight.
How can I help my child at home?
- Every three days your child will bring home a new ‘Book Bag Book’ linked directly to the RWInc book they have shared in school.
- Share the book, talk about the pictures, and encourage your child to read it aloud. Revisit this book so your child becomes really familiar with the words, and in doing so their fluency will develop. Remember to sound out (‘Fred talk’) any words that they need support to read.
Your child will be also be allocated the same books online. You can login to Oxford Owl to read these stories.
- Continue to read/share other (non-phonics) books and stories with your child - they will continue to benefit from sharing a story with an adult reader for many years to come.
What is the Phonics Check?
Pupils will continue to learn phonics until they have mastered all the sounds. At the end of Year 1 pupils will take a ‘phonics check’. The outcome of the checks are reported to the local authority, the government and to parents. If a child does not pass the check, the check is completed again in Year 2. Children are not aware they are completing a check; their responses are collected as part of the normal classroom routine and practise.
What happens after this?
Pupils continue to be taught reading fluency and comprehension strategies up until they leave their primary stage at the end of Year 6. This enables pupils to develop the skills and confidence necessary to meet the reading demands of the secondary school curriculum.