Read Write Inc

How phonics works

Phonics focuses on sounds rather than, for example, having children try to recognise whole words.

In analytic phonics, words are broken down into their beginning and end parts, such as 'str-' and 'eet', with an emphasis on 'seeing' the words and analogy with other words.

In synthetic phonics, children start by sequencing the individual sounds in words – for example, 's-t-r-ee-t', with an emphasis on blending them together.

Once they have learned all these, they progress to reading books.

The 'synthetic' part comes from the word 'synthesise', meaning to assemble or blend together.

Children who learn using synthetic phonics are able to have a go at new words working from sound alone, whereas those using analytic phonics are more dependent on having prior knowledge of families of words.

At St Joseph's our children have daily Read Write Inc lessons to teach reading and writing through a systematic approach. This programme was developed by a head teacher called Ruth Miskin and is now used by many primary schools. Since introducing Read Write Inc into our school in 2018 we have seen a rise in our reading standards.

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 The children work in pairs so that they: answer every question, practise every activity with their partner, take turns in talking to each other

How Does Read Write Inc Work at St Joseph's?

Children in RWI sessions are assessed every half term and grouped by their phonic ability. The children split into small groups every day for their Read Write Inc lesson. Children will learn the sounds in order beginning with set 1, set 2 and finally set 3. As they increase their phonic knowledge the books become more challenging.

 

All of our teachers and teaching assistants have had full Read Write Inc training and have regular update training sessions. 

Click on the link below to find out more:

https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/parents-copy-2/