Phonics

At Old Clee Primary Academy we teach children to read using the phonics programme Read Write Inc.

It teaches children the sounds in English, the letters that represent them, and how to form the letters when writing. 

Read Write Inc. Phonics includes reading books written using only the letters they have learnt at each level (and a small number of separately taught tricky words). The children will quickly feel confident and successful.

How do we teach Read Write Inc?

• We use a simple, consistent approach to teaching phonics.
• Children will experience the same Read Write Inc classroom routines within each lesson, which reduces cognitive load and maximises the chances of success.
• All children are supported within the lesson to use their new phonic knowledge independently.
• Every child has a speed sound mat for every lesson and speed sounds are sent home so children can continue learning.
• Daily Phonics sessions- these start from the beginning of Reception and are tailored to each individual child learning.
• A ‘short burst’ second daily Phonics session to review new sounds taught.
• Lots of opportunities for oral blending- b/oa/t
• Opportunities for writing- new sounds, words and sentences.

We first introduce Read Write Inc in Nursery, teaching the children the names of the pictures that match the sounds.  From Reception, we begin the next step of teaching Phonics. This means that they learn how to ‘read’ the sounds in words and how those sounds can be written down. This is essential for reading, but it also helps children learn to spell well. We teach the children simple ways of remembering these sounds and letters.

The children also practise reading (and spelling) what we call ‘tricky words’, such as ‘once,’ ‘have,’ ‘said’ and ‘where’. These are words that cannot be decoded.

The children practise their reading with books that match the phonics and the ‘tricky words’ they know. They start thinking that they can read and this does wonders for their confidence.

The teachers read to the children, too, so the children get to know all sorts of stories, poetry and information books. They learn many more words this way and it also helps their writing.

The children will work through the Read Write Incs phonics colours as they progress through school.

Supporting your child at home

What can you do to help?

1. Listen to your child read the same Read Write Inc. Storybook again and again.
2. Encourage them to use ’Special Friends’, ‘Fred Talk’, ‘read the word’.
3. Discuss the story and encourage their storyteller voice.

Your child will bring home a phonics book bag book (BBB) which is decodable, they will also bring home a library book that they have chosen for pleasure. Please share this book with your child.

We only use pure sounds when decoding words (no ‘uh’ after the sound)

We want them to practise reading their book as many times as possible.

Parents are invited to attend phonics workshops at Old Clee Primary. Details of our next workshop will be advertised on the school newsletter.

RWInc Phonics Fast Track Tutoring

Some children may need extra daily practise in reading sounds and words. They will take part in a phonics fast track tutoring programme that runs on a daily basis. This provides intensive, targeted support to address specific gaps in a child’s reading.

Phonics Screening Check

At the end of Year 1, all children will take part in the statutory Phonics Screening Check. They will be asked to read 20 real words and 20 alien words. The child’s sound knowledge and the skill of segmenting and blending will be tested within this. In previous years the pass mark has been 32/40. If a child does not pass this check in Year 1 they will retake the check in Year 2.

Key stage Two

Where needed, children will join daily Read Write Inc session and other children take part in phonics intervention at the appropriate level for their ability. This is offered as bespoke, high quality sessions four times a week ensuring that all children leave our academy as fluent readers. All children who are accessing daily phonics sessions take home a phonic decodable book which is precisely matched to their phonic ability. This allows parents and children to celebrate their reading success. 

As you will see (and hear) as you walk around our academy, reading is a huge priority at Old Clee Primary and in every classroom you will hear the common language of sounds. This underpins everything we do and allows children to access the full curriculum offer.

Enter our Old Clee Phonics Virtual Classroom to read stories, play phonics games and practise your sounds.

You can follow the link for Oxford Owl and read your Read Write Inc stories.

Look out for hidden surprises you can click on.

Click on Mrs Rytting's cat for the first surprise.

Have fun exploring!