An introduction to Read Write Inc.
Read Write Inc. Phonics is a DfE-validated systematic synthetic phonics programme with a whole- school approach to teaching early reading and writing, designed to ensure progress for every child.
In our federation, Read Write Inc. teachers deliver their lessons with enthusiasm and enjoyment, from teaching the first sounds to developing fluency and comprehension and engaging children in the best stories that reflect all children’s lives.
Children learn to read sounds and blend them into words. They apply this phonic knowledge to read and comprehend Storybooks that are carefully matched to the sounds they know. Every child is encouraged to read their text for meaning with three readings of each story to ensure that the story is understood and read with fluency and expression. Children learn to read these books with a storyteller’s voice. The aim of Read Write Inc. Phonics is for children to learn to read early.
They also learn how to form letters using mnemonics to help them:
They learn to spell correctly using their Fred fingers. Fred the frog is introduced to your child once they are ready to start reading words. Fred can only say the sounds in a word and needs your child to help him read the word. Fred will say the sounds and children will work out the word.
In RWI writing sessions, children learn to compose their own writing – drawing upon ideas from the story they’ve just read. RWI has writing activities which are linked tothe storybooks at every level, as well as handwriting activities. They include many structured activities such as ‘Build a sentence’ to help children become better writers.
While your children are learning to read, they work in progress groups to master each level of phonics and reading. The reading leader assesses and re-groups children every half-term. This allows you to whisk children through the phonic stages as quickly as possible. Children work in these progress group for one hour each day. This means they are learning at their ‘challenge’ level for five hours a week. (Reception children build up to this throughout the year).
Everything knits together: The phonics supports the reading and writing; The reading supports the writing; the writing supports the reading. That’s why Ruth called it Read Write Inc.
Home Support: Listening to your child read
Three things to do
Ask your child to read the sounds and words before they read the story. They will
enjoy teaching you to read these words too.
When your child reads the story, encourage them to read the word in Fred Talk if
they hesitate or read it incorrectly. Praise them when they succeed.
Read back each sentence or page to keep the plot moving – your child’s energy is
going into reading the words not the story.
Three things not to do
Don’t read the story to them first.
Don’t ask your child to guess a word by looking the pictures.
And, importantly, please try not to become irritable if your child ever struggles.
Keep smiling!
Find more free parent resources on www.ruthmiskin.com