Phonics

Implementation

Phonics

The teaching of phonics is delivered with fidelity through the systematic, synthetic phonics programme Read Write Inc (RWI). All children in Reception, KS1 and, where necessary, KS2 have daily phonics sessions in ability groups that are matched to their current needs.

Language development through RWI:

• Phonics instruction: Teachers use systematic phonics instruction to teach children the relationship between sounds and letters. This empowers them to decode words accurately and build their vocabulary.
• Word contextualisation: New vocabulary is introduced in the context of meaningful sentences and passages so that children understand how words are used in real-world situations.
• Word exploration activities: Interactive activities, such as word games and word sorts, are integrated into lessons to engage children in actively exploring and practising new words.
• Storybook engagement: Through reading specially selected storybooks (Peters Book Talk), children encounter a wide range of words and phrases to further contribute to their vocabulary growth.

Fluency focus through RWI:

• Daily Practice: Children engage in daily reading practice to build fluency. This consistent exposure to texts at their instructional level helps them develop the ability to read smoothly and with confidence.
• Modelling fluent reading: Teachers model fluent reading during guided reading and Book Talk sessions to allow children to observe and internalise correct pacing, intonation and expression.
• Repeated reading: Children engage in repeated readings of texts and rhyms to reinforce fluency. This practice helps increase automaticity in word recognition and contributes to smoother, more confident reading.

The teaching of comprehension through RWI:

• Questioning the text: Teachers guide children in asking questions before, during and after reading to stimulate deeper thinking including asking about main ideas, details and the author’s purpose.
• Making inferences: Children are taught to make inferences based on evidence in the text or images. They learn to draw conclusions and make predictions about the content.
• Analysing story elements: Teachers help children analyse elements such as characters, plot, setting and theme to help deepen their understanding of the text’s structure and meaning.
• Assessment: As part of the programme, all children on RWI are assessed every six weeks and are grouped according to their phonic ability.

Inclusive Practice:

• Flexible groupings
• Adult support
• Interventions

Phonics 

Here at Fordbridge Primary we use the Read Write Inc (RWI) programme to get children off to a flying start with their reading. RWI is a method of learning centred around a systematic approach to 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 reads challenging material is a child who will learn. The more a child learns, the more he or she will want to find out.

Using RWI, the children learn to read effortlessly so that they can put all their energy into comprehending what they read. It also allows them to spell effortlessly so that they can put all their energy into composing what they write.

When using RWI to read the children will:

• learn that sounds are represented by written letters
• learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letter/letter groups using simple picture prompts
• learn how to blend sounds
• learn to read words using Fred Talk
• read lively stories featuring words they have learned to sound out
• show that they comprehend the stories by answering questions.

When using RWI to write the children will: 

• learn to write the letters/letter groups which represent 44 sounds.
• learn to write words by saying the sounds in Fred Talk
• write simple sentences
• Use adventurous vocabulary within their writing