Phonics is a very important part of learning to read and write. The Government strongly recommend the use of synthetic phonics when teaching early literacy skills to children. Synthetic phonics is simply the ability to convert a letter or letter group into sounds that are then blended together into a word.
Read Write Inc - Our Phonics Scheme
Here at the Christ the King Catholic Primary School, we are using the Read Write Inc (RWI) programme to get children off to a flying start with their English. RWI is a method of learning based upon letter sounds and phonics, and we use it to aid children in their reading and writing.
Reading opens the door to learning. A child who reads a lot will become a good reader. A good reader will be able to read more challenging material. A child who can read more challenging material is a child who will learn. The more a child learns, the more he or she will want to find out.
The children are assessed regularly and grouped according to their ability. They will work with a RWI trained teacher or teaching assistant.
Our Read Write Inc 'Reading Leader' is Mrs Flynn
Reading
When using RWI to read the children will:
Writing
When using RWI to write the children will:
Talking
When using RWI the children will also work in pairs:
Blending
Help your child learn to read words by sounding-blending (Fred talk) eg. c-a-t = cat, sh-o-p = shop. Children learn to read words by blending the letter-sounds that are in the Speed Sounds set (shown further down the page).
In Year 1 the children take the national Phonic test, and those who do not achieve the standard re-take the test in Year 2. A few children may continue with phonics in Year 3, although they do not re-take the test after Year 2.
Finally, don't worry if your child is struggling at first with their sounds and words, they will get there in their own time. If you have time (we know it is very precious!), we would urge you to try and read stories to your child before they go to bed. This will help develop a wider vocabulary which makes a vast difference to their quality of writing but it will also encourage them to enjoy a good story.
Watch Storytime with Nick; films of well-loved stories read by Nick Cannon, a trained actor and teacher and a wonderful storyteller. There are 20 fabulous stories available, perfect for storytime in YR, Y1 and Y2.
Books to be used for remote learning
under the guidance of the class teacher.