Read Write Inc.
Read, Write, Inc is the phonic scheme that we use to teach reading and spelling in Early Years and Key Stage One. We have chosen Read, Write, Inc because we want our children to learn to read as quickly as possible, and then read widely and become lifelong readers.
This video, taken from the Ruth Miskin website, explains the scheme in more detail:
Reception
In Reception all children will learn how to ‘read’ the sounds in words and how those sounds can be written down.
Reading
The children:
- learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letters/letter groups using simple picture prompts – see below
- learn to read words using Fred talk and sound blending
- read from a range of storybooks and non-fictions books matched to their phonic knowledge
- work well with partners
- develop comprehension skills in stories by answering 'Find It' and 'Prove It' discussion questions
Writing
The children:
- learn to write and form the letters/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds with the help of fun phrases
- learn to write words by using Fred Talk
- learn to build sentences by practising sentences out loud before they write
Talking
The children: work in pairs so that they:
- answer every question
- practise every activity with their partner
- take turns in talking and reading to each other
- develop ambitious vocabulary
Year One and Year Two
Children continue to follow the same format as Reception but will work on complex sounds and read books appropriate to their reading level. In year two, once children are fluent readers and completed the RWI phonics they move onto RWI Spelling.
The children are taught the sounds in 3 sets.
Click the video below to hear how we pronounce our sounds to enable us to read.
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.
m a s d t i n p g o c k u b f e l h r j v y w z x
The following sounds in set 1 are called ‘special friends’, two letters that make one sound.
sh th chq u ng nk
Step 2:
The children are then taught Set 2 Sounds - the long vowels. In this order:
ay ee igh ow oo o oar or air ir ou oy
When they are very confident with all of set 1 and 2 they are taught Set 3 Sounds. In this order:
ea oi a-e i-e o-e u-e aw are ur er ow ai oa ew ire ear ure tion tious/cious
Nonsense words (Alien words)
As well as learning to read and blend real words children will have plenty of opportunities to apply their sound recognition skills on reading ‘Nonsense words’. These words will also feature heavily in the Year One Phonics Screening check in the summer term.
Phonics Screening Check Year One
What is the Year 1 phonics screening check?
The Year 1 phonics screening check is a short, light-touch assessment to confirm whether individual pupils have learnt phonic decoding to an appropriate standard.
It will identify the children who need extra help so they are given support by their school to improve their reading skills. They will then be able to retake the check so that schools can track pupils until they are able to decode.
How to Support Your Child at Home
Read to your child
Even if your child is not yet reading words, it is so important to read stories to them. The film below explains the benefits of reading to your child:
There are also some things to think about when reading to your child:
Fred Talk
To expose your child to the idea of blending sounds together to make words, break down the words of the simple vocabulary you often use at home. For example, “please pass me that c - u - p”, “let’s sit on the r - u - g”. This will help your child to practise their oral blending as they can repeat the sounds back to you and then say the word.
Building vocabulary
Children need a rich vocabulary in order to develop high levels of comprehension. The more words your child has in their vocabulary, the more they will understand when they read. You could try using alternative words for things at home, rather than saying you are pleased that they have tidied their toys, you could say that you are delighted, ecstatic, overjoyed.
Reading with your child
Once your child knows all the single letter sounds and can blend a simple CVC word together, they will bring home two reading books to share with you:
- A RWI Book Bag Book which corresponds to their group in Read, Write, Inc sessions.
- A book banded book to read to develop fluency and reading for pleasure.
Useful resources
Please find a list of websites that you may find useful in helping you and your child learn about phonics. Games and fun activity websites are also included.
• Oxford Owl - https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/reading-schemes-oxford-levels/read-write-inc-phonics-guide/
• Ruth Miskin facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/miskin.education
• Ruth Miskin website, parents section- https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/find-out-more/parents/
• http://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/ - many games to play
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks1/literacy/phonics/play/ - fun games for the children to play
• http://www.ictgames.com/literacy.html - fun games for the children to play
Reading Kits
Please find a variety of resources that you can use to support your child at home.
My Reading and Writing Kits
My Reading and Writing Kits can be purchased from Amazon or the Scholastic website.
This pack contains:
- Set 1 flashcards
- Set 1 frieze
- Handwriting booklet
- Wipe-clean handwriting sheet
- Dry-wipe pen
This pack is ideal for children who are learning Set 1 sounds. This would be appropriate for Nursery and early Reception.
This pack contains:
- Parent Handbook
- 2 blending sounds books (books that have one word on each page to practice blending)
- 5 red ditty books (simple sentences “I can hop”, “I can sit” etc.)
- Reading chart with stickers as children complete and move through the ditty books.
- Handwriting workbook
This pack is ideal for children who know Set 1 sounds but who would benefit from at-home reinforcement. (Reception children)
This pack contains:
- Parent Handbook
- 3 green level storybooks (contain Set 1 only)
- 3 purple level storybooks (contain Set 1 only)
- Handwriting workbook
- Set 2 flashcards
This pack is ideal for children who know Set 1 sounds and are learning or are ready to learn Set 2 sounds. (Reception and Year 1)
Guidance:
These parent packs are a great resource for children that are learning Set 1 and 2 sounds, reading Red Ditty Books, Green, and Purple Storybooks. These packs may also help children that need extra practice at Pink or Orange level.
For extra help for children on Pink, Orange, Yellow, Blue or Grey level, you can purchase flashcards (with Set 2 and 3 sounds) to practice the sounds they already know and teach new sounds. Within the flashcard pack, there is guidance on how to pronounce each sound and in which order to teach it. This would be useful for children in year 1 and 2.
If you need any further guidance on how to support your child with their phonic knowledge, please contact their class teacher.
