At St Francis we use the Ruth Miskin Read Write Inc scheme to teach both Phonics and Reading to children from Nursery summer term to the end of Year One. After this point, where necessary, we use this programme, as well as a programme called Fresh Start, as catch up programmes throughout the school to address individual learning needs.
What is RWI/Fresh start?
Who is Read Write Inc. for?
The Read Write Inc. programme is for primary school children learning to read.
It enables every child to become a confident and fluent reader at the first attempt. Every child who completes Read Write Inc. learns to read fluently and confidently.
We also have another programme, Read Write Inc. Fresh Start, for upper primary and secondary school children learning to read. This uses exactly the same method but uses age appropriate texts.
Using this method:
Children in the early years learn to read confidently and fluently.
Older children with reading difficulties make fast progress.
Children with specific learning difficulties learn to read.
The Read Write Inc. programme is also used with great success to support children of all ages who have been designated as dyslexic.
Why does it work?
The systematic and lively programme is organised by an in-
All staff (teachers and assistants) are trained together by one of our trainers who has taught and managed the programme (no cascade training is used)
The children read and write for an hour each day, grouped according to their reading level. (Two, 20-
Children do not struggle because the work is too difficult or get bored because the work is too easy.
A few children who need extra support to maintain progress work with a reading tutor (teaching assistant) for 10 minutes in the afternoons to ensure that they do not fall behind their peers.
READING
The children:
- learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letters/letter groups using simple picture prompts
- learn to read words using sound blending
- read lively stories featuring words they have learned to sound out
- after meaningful discussion led by an adult children show that they comprehend the stories by answering questions
WRITING
The children:-
- learn to write the letters/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds
- learn to write words by saying the sounds and graphemes
- learn to build sentences orally using adventurous vocabulary
- start with simple sentences and develop towards more complex ones by the end of the programme
- compose a range of texts using discussion prompts
TALKING
Children are assessed so they work with children at the same level. This allows them to take a full part in all lessons.
They work in pairs so that they:
- answer every question
- practise every activity with their partner
- take turns in talking to each other
How can I help my child learn to read?
Read as many stories to your child as you can. Traditional tales, stories from other cultures, poetry and their favourite story –
Explain the meaning of new words. Most importantly though, show the fun that can be gained by listening to stories. What you read to your child today, he will be able to read for himself very soon.