Every child deserves success right from the start. We know that the sooner children learn to read, the greater their success at school. This’s why reading is at the heart of everything we do. One of the key ways we support this is through Read Write Inc. Phonics.
One of the greatest gifts adults can give is to read to children
Carl Sagan
How is it taught?
Our teachers and teaching assistants are specially trained to deliver the programme effectively in small, carefully organised groups. Each group is tailored to the children’s individual needs, so they learn the sounds and letters at the right pace for them.
Sessions last around an hour and are fast-paced, fun and engaging. Children learn new sounds, which are reinforced during the session with reading and writing activities – immediately putting their learning into practice.
Progress is checked regularly to make sure every child is in the right group. If a child needs extra support, we provide one-to-one sessions to help them keep up and succeed.
What will they learn?
When using RWI to read the children will:
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learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letter/letter groups using simple picture prompts
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learn to read words using Fred Talk
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read lively stories featuring words they have learned to sound out
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show that they comprehend the stories by answering questions.
When using RWI to write the children will:
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learn to write the letters/letter groups which represent 44 sounds.
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learn to write words by saying the sounds in Fred Talk
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write simple sentences
What can I do to help at home?
One of the most powerful things you can do to support your child's reading journey is to read to them as often as you can. This helps them develop a love for books and expand their vocabulary.
Here are some other simple, powerful ways to help:
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Practice "Fred Talk": When helping your child sound out a word, encourage them to say the sounds and then "push" them together to make the whole word. For example, for "cat," say the sounds c-a-t, then blend them to say the word.
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Focus on the sounds, not the letter names. You can hear how to pronounce the sounds correctly in the videos below.
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Ask questions about their books: If your child brings home a book they know well, encourage them to read it to you and ask them about the story. Ask them about the characters, their favourite parts, and what they think will happen next.