Phonics at Ranworth Square
Our pupils learn to read and write effectively and quickly using the Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics programme.
The programme is for:
- Pupils in Year R to Year 2 who are learning to read and write
- Any pupils in Years 2, 3 and 4 who need to catch up rapidly
- Any pupils who haven’t passed their phonics screening check
In Read Write Inc. Phonics pupils:
- Decode letter-sound correspondences quickly and effortlessly, using their phonic knowledge and skills
- Read common exception words on sight (‘tricky/red words’)
- Understand what they read
- Read aloud with fluency and expression
- Spell quickly and easily by segmenting the sounds in words
What phonics looks like at Ranworth Square:
We start by teaching using the RWI programme to the children in Reception and this continues until they are ready to exit the programme. This means that each child learns how to 'read' the sounds in words and how these sounds can be written down. This is essential for reading, but it also helps children learn how to spell well. We teach children simple ways of remembering these sounds and letters.
The children also practise reading (and spelling) what we call 'tricky words' or ‘red words’, such as 'once' and 'said’. They practise reading with books that match their phonics and the 'tricky/red words' they know. They start believing in themselves as successful readers and this does wonders for their confidence.
Children who have successfully completed the programme move on to RWI spelling which covers all the rules to meet their year group expectations.
What is the phonics screening test?
It a word reading test that all Year 1s undertake in June. Children read 40 words. It takes between two and five minutes. If they do not manage to read 32 of the words, they are given extra support, and repeat the check at the end of Year 2. It means that all children will be able to read accurately before they begin Year 3.
In our school, we aim to make sure that every child learns to read accurately by the end of Year 1 so they are set up for success in school and in life.
As soon as we spot a child who needs extra practice learning to read sounds and words, we teach them one-to-one for a few minutes every day.
Half of the words in the check are real words. Half are nonsense words. For example, ‘sheb’, ‘glight’, ‘ched’, ‘teb’. Nonsense words check that children will be able to read sounds they know in unfamiliar words.
Children who can read nonsense words will, very soon, be able to read any new word – for example – gargantuan, flailing, raucous, anticipation; Reading new words increases children’s vocabulary rapidly.
Please follow the link below for more information:
https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/reading-schemes-oxford-levels/read-write-inc-phonics-guide/
Useful links for parents:
http://jollylearning.co.uk/ - Games and information for parents
http://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/ - many games to play
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks1/literacy/phonics/play/ - fun games for the children to play
http://www.ictgames.com/literacy.html - fun games for the children to play
http://www.kenttrustweb.org.uk/kentict/kentict_home.cfm - fun games for the children to play and information for parents
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/ - fun games for the children to play
http://www.starfall.com/ - fun games for the children to play
http://www.firstschoolyears.com/ - fun games for the children to play