Please click on the link to view our Curriculum Map. Please click on the link to view the Foundation Subjects Overview. Finally please click the link to view our EYFS Curriculum Map.
Read Write Inc. – Our Phonics Scheme
The government strongly recommend the use of synthetic phonics when teaching early literacy skills to children. Synthetic phonics is simply the ability to convert a letter or letter group into sounds that are then blended together into a word.
Here at the St Winefride’s, we are using the Read Write Inc. (RWI) programme to get children off to a flying start with their English. RWI is a method of learning based upon letter sounds and phonics, and we use it to aid children in their reading and writing.
Reading opens the door to learning. A child who reads a lot will become a good reader. A good reader will be able to read more challenging material. A child who can read more challenging material is a child who will learn. The more a child learns, the more they will want to find out.
The children are assessed regularly and grouped according to their ability. They will work with a RWI trained reading tutor.
Read Write Inc. Reading Leader is Mrs Britton (SENDCo and Assistant Head)
Reading
When using RWI to read the children will:
- Learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letter/letter groups using simple prompts.
- Learn to read words using sound blending (Fred talk).
- Read lively stories featuring words they have learnt to sound out.
- Show that they comprehend the stories by answering ‘Find It’ and ‘Prove It’.
Spelling
- Learn to spell words by saying the sounds and graphemes (Fred fingers).
Writing
- When using RWI to write the children will:
- Learn to write the letter/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds.
- Learn to write words by saying the sounds and graphemes.
Talking
When using RWI the children will also work in pairs:
- To answer questions.
- To take turns talking and listening to each other.
- To give positive praise to each other.
Blending
Help your child learn to read words by sounding-blending (Fred talk) eg. c-a-t = cat, sh-o-p = shop. Children learn to read words by blending the letter-sounds that are in the Speed Sounds set (shown further down the page).
Help your child to say the pure sounds (‘m’ not ‘muh’, ‘s’ not ‘suh’ etc.) as quickly as they can, and then blend the sounds together to say the whole word.
Reading Books Sent Home
Children in Reception who are learning the first 44 letter sounds and are not blending fluently may bring home sound sheets, picture books and a library book for you to read with them.
Once children can blend fluently and know the first 44 sounds they may bring home Ditty sheets.
Read Write Inc. Books:
Please read the information for parents on the first page as this explains how to utilise the text. Then please encourage your child to read though the speed sounds page first, then the green and red words page and then check your child understands the meaning of words on the vocabulary check page, before they start reading the book. Your child will have read this book at least three times before they bring it home. They should be able to read this book with fluency and expression by the time they bring it home and they should have a good comprehension of what the book is about. At the back of the book are find it/prove it questions for you to do with your child.
Finally, don’t worry if your child is struggling at first with their sounds and words, they will get there in their own time. If you have time (we know it is very precious!), we would urge you to try and read stories to your child before they go to bed. This will help develop a wider vocabulary which makes a vast difference to their quality of writing but it will also encourage them to enjoy a good story.
Take a look at how to help your child with their pure sounds.
