At Rucstall Primary School we use Read, Write, Inc. to support our phonics and early reading teaching.

Children who read, or are read to regularly have the opportunity to open the doors to so many different worlds! More importantly, reading will give your child the tools to become independent, life-long learners. Early reading starts with phonics.

Children in EYFS and KS1, as well as those children who have not passed the phonics screening check or require additional support, are taught through the structured Read, Write, Inc. programme. 

What is Read Write Inc.?

Read, Write, Inc. is a phonics literacy programme developed by Ruth Miskin. The programme helps all children learn to read fluently and at speed so they can focus on developing their skills in comprehension.

How is Read, Write, Inc. taught?

Children are regularly assessed and grouped by our phonics leader to ensure they work within an ability appropriate group and with children at the same level. This allows complete participation from all children in lessons.

Reading

The children:

• Learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letters using simple picture prompts.
• 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.
• Learn to 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 which represent the 44 sounds with the help of fun phrases.
• Learn to write words using Fred Talk.
• Learn to build sentences by saying them out loud before writing them down.

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.

Story books

This section of the programme sees the introduction of phonetically decodable reading books consistent with the children’s current phonetic understanding (depending on their group). These reading books will help to build reading fluency and comprehension, as well as encourage children to find and use their ‘storyteller voices’ when reading.

In line with this, most children will now be sent home with one decodable Read, Write, Inc. paper book. These books will be sent home following three days of story book teaching in school and, although it may seem as though children have ‘memorised’ the book, it is important to continue reading it as it allows them to build reading fluency and help commit words to memory. Additionally, it will allow children to begin to use their storyteller voices as they spend less time decoding words and more time comprehending what they are reading.

In addition to these books, children will be sent home with a library book. These books may not be as easily decodable as the Read, Write, Inc. books so the expectation is they are a 'shared book' which means older siblings or parents read them book to the children.

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 in Year 2 so that schools can track pupils until they are able to decode appropriately.

To help at home:

Please help your child by reading daily.

If you have any more questions about Read, Write, Inc. or phonics please do not hesitate to contact our phonics leader, Miss Kay, or your child’s class teacher.