Phonics
At Carrwood, systematic synthetic phonics is taught using the Read, Write, Inc phonics programme. It is introduced in the Summer term for our Nursery children and is taught throughout Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. This programme is followed with fidelity by all staff delivering phonics in school. Children are taught a discreet, whole- class phonics lesson and this takes place daily.
What is synthetic phonics?
When your child is learning to read there are two crucial things to learn:
– the sounds represented by written letters
– how to blend the sounds together to make words
Children are taught to read letters or groups of letters by saying the sound(s) they represent. Children can then start to read words by blending (synthesising) the sounds together to make a word.
Speed Sounds Set 1, Set 2 and Set 3
When using RWI to read the children will:
- learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letter/letter groups using simple picture prompts.
- learn to read words using Fred Talk.
- read lively stories competently featuring words they have learned to sound out.
- show that they understand the stories by answering questions.
Assessment and Intervention
Formative assessment takes place during all phonics lessons. Staff quickly identify who has and has not picked up a new sound and this information is then used to inform future planning. Summative assessment takes place half termly. Knowledge of each sound is checked, as well as the child being able to apply this when reading and spelling words.
Phonics does not stand alone at Carrwood Primary School. We integrate this into many areas of the curriculum, referring back to sounds and strategies wherever possible, ensuring that children keep up, not catch up. Pupils who are making slower progress are identified rapidly and 1:1 or small group interventions are set up using bespoke packages that suit individual reading needs. The reading leaders and phonics fast track tutor oversee and monitors the needs of these children.
This continues into Key Stage 2 if required. In years 3 and 4, children that need to continue their phonic journey stay on the Read Write Inc programme until they are confident with all sounds and fluent with their reading. In years 5 and 6, we provide the Read Write Inc intervention programme ‘Fresh Start’, which aims to those pupils who may need additional support to read accurately and fluently.
Useful links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXOJUPNVnLc Parent Video: Understanding Phonics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjlPILhk7bQ – Parent Video: What is Read Write Phonics?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFyDwUKSw7Y Parent Video: Introduction to Daily Read Write Inc. Phonics Sessions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkXcabDUg7Q Parent Video: How to say the sound