Phonics - Read, Write Inc.
The Teaching of Reading, and Phonics at Osgodby Primary School
At Osgodby we employ a systematic synthetic phonics scheme called Read Write Inc. This scheme has been developed by Ruth Miskin who is a government advisor on the teaching of reading and literacy.
Significant investment in resources and adult training has enabled us to group the children into small classes according to need and teach specific sounds and letters in a fun and engaging way.
Each session lasts an hour (less for foundation children) with a variety of activities delivered with pace and rigour.
Children have the opportunity to learn sounds which are reinforced during the session with reading and writing activities.
Children progress through levels with regular assessments to ensure correct placement within classes. There are opportunities for children to be ‘fast tracked’ if appropriate and also supported through 1 to 1 teaching sessions if found to be struggling.
Who is Read Write Inc. for?
The Read Write Inc. programme is for primary school children learning to read. It enables every child to become a confident and fluent reader at the first attempt. Every child who completes Read Write Inc. learns to read fluently and confidently.
Using our method:
- Children in the early years learn to read confidently and fluently.
- Older children with reading difficulties make fast progress.
- Children with specific learning difficulties learn to read. The Read Write Inc. programme is also used with great success to support children of all ages who have been designated as dyslexic.
- The reading teacher is guided from the very beginning to help the children become confident and fluent readers (the first time they learn).
Reception
When children enter Reception class they are taught in small groups to develop phonic knowledge.
Key Stage 1
As children move into Key Stage 1 they continue to progress through the scheme to develop confidence and independence in reading and writing. The expectation is that children will complete the scheme by the end of Key Stage 1.
Why does it work?
The systematic and lively programme is organised by an in-school manager.
All staff (teachers and assistants) are trained together by one of our trainers who has taught and managed the programme (no cascade training is used).
The children read and write for an hour each day, grouped according to their reading level. (Two, 20 minute sessions for Reception children.)
Children do not struggle because the work is too difficult or get bored because the work is too easy.
How and What Do The Children Learn?
READING
The children:
- Learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letters/letter groups using simple picture prompts.
- Learn to read words using sound blending.
- Read lively stories featuring words they have learned to sound out.
- Show that they comprehend the stories by answering 'Find It' and 'Prove It' discussion questions.
WRITING
The children:
- Learn to write the letters/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds.
- Learn to write words by saying the sounds and graphemes write simple sentences.
- Compose stories based on picture strips.
- Compose a range of texts using discussion prompts.
TALKING
Children are assessed so they work with children at the same level. This allows them to take a full part in all lessons.
They work in pairs so that they:
- Answer every question.
- Practise every activity with their partner.
- Take turns in talking to each other.
READING SCHEMES
The main reading schemes used in school are:
- Read, Write Inc.
- Oxford Reading Tree
How can I help my child?
Many parents wish to help their child at home to learn to read. When children are learning to read and write, it is much easier to say the sounds in a pure way. This also helps children to segment words in order to be able to spell them. In order for you to help your child we recommend that you watch the 'Phonemes pronunciation guide DVD' which can be found here.
Why are we switching to RWI?
The RWI programme has been proven to be a very successful method of teaching every child to read and write using phonics. Evidence of this can be found in the Ofsted Report, Reading by six: how the best schools do it.
Where can I find out more about RWI?
The official Read Write Inc. website, provides all the information you need to support your child through the programme. You can also speak to Mrs Harrison or your class teacher if you have any queries.
To visit the parent pages on the Ruth Miskin Training website please click here.
Our Phonics Leader is Mrs Donna Harrison
