Read Write Inc. Phonics and Spelling Programmes

Read Write Inc. Phonics

At our school, we use Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics, a structured and engaging programme that helps children learn to read, write and spell with confidence.

Children begin by learning the sounds that letters make and how to blend these sounds together to read words. As their skills develop, they learn to read with increasing fluency and understanding, while also improving their spelling and writing.

Through daily phonics lessons, children are taught to:

* Recognise and say sounds accurately

* Blend sounds together to read words.

* Read books that match their phonics knowledge.

* Develop fluency, expression and comprehension.

* Spell words using the sounds they have learned.

* Apply their phonics skills in their writing.

Children are regularly assessed so that they can work in groups that best match their current stage of learning. This ensures that every child is supported and challenged appropriately.

Reading is at the heart of our curriculum, and Read Write Inc. helps children to become confident, enthusiastic readers who develop a lifelong love of books.

Home Reading

Home reading is an important part of your child's journey to becoming a confident and fluent reader. We ask that children read regularly at home and share their reading with an adult whenever possible.

Children learning through Read Write Inc. will bring home:

* A Read Write Inc. Story Book that closely matches the sounds and words they have been learning in school.

* A Read Write Inc. Book Bag Book or Non-Fiction Book that closely matches the sounds and words they have been learning in school.

* A reading-for-pleasure book to share and enjoy with family members.

To support your child at home, we encourage you to:

* Listen to your child read regularly.

* Re-read books several times to build fluency and confidence.

* Encourage your child to use their phonics knowledge to decode unfamiliar words.

* Talk about the story, characters and events to develop comprehension skills.

* Celebrate effort and progress to help build a love of reading.

Reading little and often makes a significant difference. Just 5-10 minutes of reading each day helps children practise and strengthen the skills they are learning in school.

Read Write Inc. Spelling (Years 2-6)

At our school, we use Read Write Inc. Spelling to develop children’s spelling, vocabulary and understanding of how words work. The programme builds on the phonics knowledge acquired in Key Stage 1 and helps children become confident and accurate spellers.

Through short, focused lessons, children learn:

* Common spelling patterns and rules.

* How prefixes and suffixes change the meaning of words.

* Strategies for spelling unfamiliar words.

* The meanings and origins of words.

* How to apply spelling skills accurately in their writing.

The programme teaches children to think about the structure of words rather than simply memorising spellings. They investigate patterns, identify rules and practise applying their learning in a range of contexts.

Read Write Inc. Spelling is closely matched to the National Curriculum spelling requirements for Years 2-6 and helps children develop the skills needed to write with increasing accuracy and confidence.

How We Teach Spelling

Children participate in regular spelling lessons that include:

* Learning new spelling patterns and rules.

* Exploring vocabulary and word meanings.

* Practising spellings through engaging activities.

* Investigating words and identifying patterns.

* Applying spelling knowledge in their independent writing.

Teachers provide opportunities for children to revisit previous learning, helping them to retain and apply spelling patterns over time.

Supporting Spelling at Home

Parents can help by:

* Encouraging regular reading, which exposes children to a wide range of vocabulary and spelling patterns.

* Practising spelling activities or word lists sent home from school.

* Discussing the meaning of new words.

* Encouraging children to spot spelling patterns in books and everyday reading.

* Supporting children to use dictionaries, word mats and spelling strategies independently.

By working together, we can help children become confident writers who use accurate spelling effectively across the curriculum.