Phonics and Early Reading at Whytemead

How We Teach Phonics at Whytemead

At Whytemead Primary School we follow the Read Write Inc (RWI) programme to get children off to a flying start with their reading. Read Write Inc is a synthetic phonics programme that is centred around the letter sounds (phonemes) of spoken language and the letter symbols (graphemes) of written language. This method of learning aids children in their development when learning to read and write.

We believe that 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 reads challenging material is a child who will learn.  The more the child learns the more curious they become and will want to read to find out more.  They will not only read to find out more, but they will also develop a love of reading.

We can achieve this together through:

• Read Write Inc, a program to help your child read at school
• Encouraging children to develop a love of reading books by reading to them daily, at home and at school
• Giving children access to a wide range of books at school and at home

How does it work?

The systematic programme focusses on teaching reading, writing and talking skills together to support steady progression and collaborative working skills.

Reading

The children:

• Learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letters/letter groups (GPCs) using simple picture prompts
• Learn to read words using Fred talk and sound blending (cvc …)
• Read from a range of storybooks and non-fiction books matched to their phonic knowledge
• Develop collaboration skills by working well with their partners
• Develop skills to understand and analyse the texts they read by answering ‘Find It’ and ‘Prove It’ discussion questions

Writing

The children:

• Learn to write and form the letters which represent the 44 sounds with the help of fun phrases
• Learn to write words using Fred talk (where children segment sounds to represent the letters and letter groups, known as special friends, they hear)

Talking

The children work in pairs so they can:

• Answer every question
• Take turns in talking and reading to each other
• Develop ambitious vocabulary

Progressing Through The Stages

Five key principles underpin the teaching in all Read Write Inc. sessions:

Purpose – know the purpose of every activity and share it with the children so they know the one thing they should be thinking about

Participation – ensure every child participates throughout the lesson.  Partnership work (working collaboratively) is fundamental to learning

Praise – ensure children are praised for effort and learning, not ability

Pace – teach at an effective pace and devote every moment to teaching and learning

Passion – be passionate about teaching so children can be engaged emotionally

Children Will Be Taught To Read As Follows:

The scheme is split into 3 sets of sounds: Set 1, Set 2 and Set 3.  Every half term children will be individually reassessed and moved into the group appropriate for them.  Children make progress at different rates and some children take longer to move through the groups so please do not worry if your child stays where they are for a little longer.  It is important for them to consolidate their learning before moving on.  Click on the links below to find out more about each stage.  Here you will find useful information and videos on how to help your child at each stage in their development.

Set 1 Sounds

Set 2 Sounds

Set 3 Sounds

Reading Progression with Read Write Inc

Once children reach the end of Set 1, they will know enough sounds to read simple sentences. Children progress through a range of colour levels. Each level is carefully matched to your child's development to ensure they can read and access the text independently which supports them to grow in speed and confidence. The progression through the book levels is shown below.

Click on the links to find more information about each of the coloured groups and the sounds your child works on within that group.

Once children complete the Read Write Inc programme, they move onto Accelerated Reader. First, they complete an online assessment, a star reading quiz, and choose books from our library according to their level of development. This is called their ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development). We encourage children to be free readers and choose appropriate books from their ZPD.

Supporting your child at home

Your child will bring home a new Read Write Inc storybook regularly (every 3-5 days). This will be accompanied by a Read Write Inc Book Bag Book. Children also have the option to independently choose and bring home a book of their choice to share with a grown up. This may be a book from our school library or a book from their classroom reading area. The children will be familiar with the storybook they bring home as they would have spent the week working hard to read it with growing fluency and confidence. Please encourage your child to share this success with you to nurture their love for reading.

Our Read Write Inc Lead Teacher in school is Mrs Reilly. If you have any queries or would like to discuss our phonics programme further, please do not hesitate to contact her or your child's class teacher.