Phonics at Priory
Since September 2016 we have been using the highly successful Read Write Inc. Phonics programme to teach our
children to read, write and spell. A programme which rapidly teaches children to learn phonics and be able
to decode words in order to read.
All our staff took part in training in July 2016 and we aim:



To raise standards in reading and writing for our children
For all to be expertly trained by Ruth Miskin Training – including our headteacher
To gain the latest programme updates through regular visits from our Ruth Miskin trainer
.
Read Write Inc is for:


pupils in Year R to Year 2 who are learning to read and write
any pupils in Years 2 and 3 who need to catch up rapidly.
We teach pupils to:







decode letter-sound correspondences quickly and effortlessly, using their phonic knowledge and skills
read ‘tricky’ words on sight
understand what they read
read aloud with fluency and expression
write confidently, with a strong focus on vocabulary and grammar
spell quickly and easily by segmenting the sounds in words
acquire good handwriting
Each day, across the school, RWINC lessons take place from 9:20-10:20! We group pupils based on
their phonic knowledge which ensures that children are challenged at the correct level and make rapid
progress.
We make sure that pupils read books that are closely matched to their increasing knowledge of phonics
and the ‘tricky words’. This is so that, early on, they experience success and gain confidence that they
are readers. Re-reading and discussing these books with the teacher supports their increasingly fluent
decoding.
Alongside this, the teachers read a wide range of stories, poetry and non-fiction to pupils; they are soon
able to read these texts for themselves.
Embedding the alphabetic code early on means that pupils quickly learn to write simple words and
sentences. We encourage them to compose each sentence aloud until they are confident to write
independently. We make sure they write every day.
Pupils write at the level of their spelling knowledge, that is, they use their knowledge of the alphabetic
code and the tricky words they have learnt. They can soon spell more complex words confidently and
accurately. The quality of the vocabulary they use in their writing reflects the language they have heard
in the books the teacher has read to them; they have also discussed what the words mean.
Best of all, the programme is fun! Children learn to read with the help of Fred Frog, partner work and
high levels of participation! The children love the sessions and we celebrate our achievements with
cheers such as: Fireworks, Round of a Claws, Marshmallow Clap, Ketchup Clap, Happy Feet and
Bubble Claps! We even make up our own!
Our aim is for pupils to complete the phonics programme as quickly as possible. The sooner they
complete it, the sooner they will be able to choose books to read at their own interest and
comprehension level which enables them to become a fully independent and fluent reader.
Assessment and Progression:
In order to ensure rapid progress and to monitor individuals we have an assessment team
specifically trained to ensure validity and consistency. Formal assessments are carried out at
least half termly to encourage rapid progress and monitor individuals.
Help for Parents
Knowing how to help your child to learn to read can be incredibly worrying and confusing for parents.
In order to help you understand how what your child is doing in their RWINC lessons and how to help,
we have provided some links to some tutorials. These tutorials are videos clips which give you
information about what to do and how to do it! Have a look and if you want to know more, come and
have a chat to your child's teacher.
What is Read Write Inc?

Understanding Read Write Inc
What is Phonics?

Understanding Phonics
Phonics Screening Check

Explaining the Phonics Screening Check