Phonics

Children in Foundation and Key Stage 1 use the Read Write Inc Phonics Programme.  In Read Write Inc. Phonics lessons, children learn to read accurately and fluently with comprehension.  They learn to form each letter, spell correctly and compose their ideas step-by-step.

Throughout the programme, children learn the English alphabetic code: the 150+ graphemes that represent 44 speech sounds.  They rapidly learn sounds and the letter, or groups of letters they need to represent them, in three sets of Speed Sounds Lessons.  Simple and enjoyable mnemonics help all children to grasp the letter-sound correspondences quickly, especially those who are at risk of making slower progress or those who are new to learning English.  This knowledge is taught and consolidated every day.  High frequency words that are not phonically regular are taught as 'tricky' words (we call them Red Words) and are practiced frequently.

Phonics books are closely matched to children's increasing knowledge of phonics and 'tricky' words so that, early on, they experience plenty of success.  Repeated readings of the texts support their increasingly fluent decoding.

Thought provoking introductions, prompts for thinking out loud and discussion help teachers ensure that children comprehend what they are reading.

Useful Read Write Inc. Guides and Links for Parents & Carers