We use Read Write Inc. Phonics programme to teach our children to read, write and spell.
What is Read Write Inc?
Read Write Inc (RWI) is a phonics complete literacy programme which helps all children learn to read fluently and at speed so they can focus on developing their skills in comprehension, vocabulary and spelling. The programme is designed for children aged 4-7. However, we continue to support our children if they still need support in their reading.
All children are assessed regularly so they work with children at the same level. This allows complete participation in lessons.
Reception
In Reception all children will learn how to ‘read’ and ‘write’ all of the sounds in Set 1 and then taught how to blend these into words. Fred the frog helps the children to blend the sounds together which is then used to help children read. The teachers will often use the phrase ‘Fred talk’ to sound out words.
The children take part in lessons every day progressing to reading books. They also learn how to spell red words (words that cannot be sounded out) and 3/4 letter words during these lessons.
Year One & Year Two
Children follow the same format as Reception but will work on complex sounds (Set 2 and 3 sounds) and read books appropriate to their reading level.
Speed Sounds: Set1, Set 2 and Set 3
Once your child knows all Set 1 sounds by sight and sound and uses them to blend to read words, we start teaching Set 2 initially and then Set 3 long vowel sounds. Your child will need to learn that most vowel sounds have more than one spelling.
There are 12 Set 2 ‘speed sounds’ that are made up of two or three letters which represent just one sound, e.g. ay as in play, ee as in tree and igh as in high. It is important that your child does not pronounce these as 2 or 3 separate sounds. When your child sees the ‘speed sound’ letters together in a word, they must say just one sound for these letters.
Set 1 Sounds are taught in the following order together with rhymes to help children form the letters correctly and instantly recognise sounds ready for blending.
RWI letter formation
Set 2 & 3 Sounds:
The children are then taught Set 2 Sounds – the long vowels.
When they are very confident with all of set 1 and 2 they are taught Set 3 Sounds.
All children in EYFS and KS1 are given school books to read at home and there is an expectation that all pupils in EYFS, Y1 and Y2 read at home daily. Reading books are selected so that children take home blending books or reading books containing the sounds that have been taught in school. This gives the children the opportunity to embed the sounds that they have learned and to read with fluency. We ask that the children read their home reading book twice before selecting a new one. We also ask that the parents continue to read stories to their children to develop a love of storytelling and learn new vocabulary.
Children will also be able to login to the Oxford Owl website and have the opportunity to read their RWI e-books online.
We are always happy to help support reading with your child at home. If you would like any more information about supporting your child to read, please ask your child’s class teacher or Mrs Goddard who will be more than happy to help.
Additionally, here are some fun phonics games that children can play at home to continue to practice reading.
At Bellingham Primary we truly do have a love for reading and hope to share this with everyone. We hope these pages will help encourage and support you and your child with reading at home. If you have any questions about reading or what we might do to further support please please don't hesitate to get in touch.
