Parent Information
At East Dene Primary School, we use a synthetic phonics programme called Read, Write, Inc. produced by Ruth Miskin. Read, Write, Inc. is a method of learning centred around letter sounds and phonics, blending sounds together to read and spell words and applying these skills across the curriculum. Using Read, Write, Inc. the children learn to read fluently so that they can put all their energy into comprehending what they read. It also allows them to spell effortlessly so that they can focus on composing what they write.
The children are assessed and grouped according to their ability and they work with a teacher or teaching assistant on the Read Write Inc programme. The children are continuously assessed by the Read, Write, Inc. Leader, to ensure that they move through the programme at a good pace. Every 6-8 weeks, all children are assessed and are regrouped according to their phonic knowledge and fluency when reading.
Read, Write, Inc. lessons include reading and writing activities, allowing the children to apply their phonic skills to both.
Reading
The children will:
- Learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letter/letter groups using simple picture prompts.
- Learn to read words using sound blending (Fred talk).
- Read lively stories featuring words they have learnt to sound out.
- Show that they comprehend the stories by answering ‘Find It’ and ‘Prove It’ discussion questions.
Writing
The children will:
- Learn to write the letters/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds.
- Learn to write words by saying the sounds and graphemes (Fred fingers).
- Learn to say and write simple then more complex sentences.
- Compose stories based on picture strips.
- Compose a range of texts using discussion prompts.
Phonics Screening Check
In Key Stage 1, the children are assessed at the end of Year 1 using a Government Statutory Assessment Tool known as the Phonics Screening Check. This screening check confirms whether the child has learnt phonic decoding to an appropriate standard and will identify sounds needing further consolidation in Year 2. The children are assessed one to one by the reading leader, who is a familiar adult to the children.
Phonics Screening Check 2024: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-2024-materials
Parent Workshops
Throughout the school year, we hold meetings and workshops to support parents/carers with phonics and reading at home. These sessions will be both informative and practical, with some creative sessions including the children, making resources that can be used at home.