Reading & Phonics
Read Write Inc
Read Write Inc (RWI) is an accredited phonics programme, which helps children learn to read whilst simultaneously developing a wide range of vocabulary and encouraging a love of stories. The scheme was developed by Ruth Miskin, a leading consultant on early reading. More information can be found at http://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/parents/
Who is Read Write Inc for?
The Read Write Inc programme is for primary school children learning to read and write. Children will begin the programme in Foundation Stage and will continue working through the programme until they are considered a ‘free reader’ and able to read fluently. Our aim is that the majority of children will complete the scheme early in year 2, however some children may remain on the scheme into KS2 if needed.
How does it work?
Foundation Stage
Children in FS2 are initially taught to recognise the pictures relating to single letter sounds, as part of their own class. After a few weeks, they are moved into small groups to be taught single letter phonemes. They will be regularly assessed to ensure that they are being taught at a stage appropriate for their needs and knowledge.
Year 1 onwards
All children are assessed regularly and are grouped according to their stage, not their age - so that teaching is closely matched to the children’s next steps in their reading journey. Phonics groups taught by teachers and teaching assistants trained to deliver the programme to a high and effective standard. Any children needing extra support work with a reading tutor for an additional 5-10 minutes per day to consolidate their learning.
What does the RWI teaching process look like?
Children in Foundation Stage are taught the ‘Set 1’ sounds (single letter sounds) with a view to blending these sounds together to form and read simple words. The children will refer frequently to the term ‘Fred talk’ – this is the process of breaking a word down into its sound components, e.g. c-a-t.
The correct pronunciation of the sounds is critical to developing the skill of blending; there are a number of videos on the Ruth Miskin website that demonstrate the correct pronunciation of sounds. Access the website here: http://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/resources/read-write-inc-fresh-start-sound-pronunciation-guide/
As well as being taught to say each sound correctly, the children are taught how to form the letter accurately, using a rhyme and a picture prompt.
Towards the end of Foundation Stage, and throughout their time in KS1, children will move onto the concept of ‘special friends’ to develop their reading further and enable them to decode any unfamiliar word. These are sounds made of two letters, rather than one, e.g. ‘ch’, ‘ee’, ‘oi’.
How and what do the children learn?
Reading
- Learn 75 sounds and the corresponding letter(s) using picture prompts and simple rhymes or sayings
- Learn to read words by blending letter sounds together
- Read stories featuring words they have learnt to ‘Fred talk’ independently
- Use discussion about the story to demonstrate their understanding by answering questions about the text
Writing
- Learn t write the letter(s) that represent the 75 sounds
- Learn to write words by saying the sound and the graphemes
- Learn to build sentences orally using ambitious vocabulary
Speaking and listening
The structure of the programme ensures that there is a wealth of opportunity for the children to discuss what they have read, as well as working together in pairs to further each other’s reading skill with practise activities and question and answer sessions.
How can I help my child at home?
- Establish a routine to include regular reading throughout the week – this can include your child’s phonics book or a library book you can share together.
- Have fun with ‘Fred Talk’ at home! Use questions and phrases such as ‘Where is your c-oa-t?’ ‘Time for b-e-d!’ The following website link provides some handy videos for playing ‘Fred games’, a golden opportunity to practise the skill of blending: http://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/resources/parent-tutorial-preparing-teach-reading-fred-games/
- Encourage your child to ‘Fred Talk’ or ‘sound out’ any unfamiliar words.
- Read as many stories to your child as you can. Traditional tales, stories from other cultures, poetry, their favourite story– help them to discover the magic of reading and books.
- Explain the meaning of new words and make the words meaningful to them.
- Let us know regularly on Boom Reader how your child is getting on with their reading – what they have enjoyed reading, any sounds they are finding tricky, and how they are progressing at home.
Further Information
Read Write Inc Website
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