The Teaching of Reading, Writing And Phonics At Broom Cottages Primary And Nursery School

Since September 2011 we have been teaching a systematic synthetic phonics scheme called Read Write Inc. This scheme has been developed by Ruth Miskin who is a government advisor on the teaching of reading and literacy.

Significant investment in resources and adult training has enabled us to group the children into small classes according to need and teach specific sounds and letters in a fun and engaging way.

Children have the opportunity to learn sounds which are reinforced during the session with reading activities.

Children progress through levels with regular assessments to ensure correct placement within classes. There are opportunities for children to be ‘fast tracked’ if appropriate and also supported through 1 to 1 teaching sessions if found to be struggling.

We have seen the impact of the scheme as data shows an upward trend with many children achieving higher levels of reading and writing than in the past.

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. 

Using our 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.

Nursery

The scheme is introduced to children in Nursery as they enter the developmental stage where they are receptive to sound and symbol correspondence.

In Nursery we focus on using songs, rhythm and rhyme and introducing children to Fred talk to develop the skills to orally blend sounds. 

Reception

When children enter Reception class they are taught in small groups to develop phonic knowledge. Children in Reception, take part in the Read Write Inc phonics and reading session and also complete the get writing activities to support early writing skills. 

Key Stage 1

As children move into Key Stage 1 they continue to progress through the scheme to develop confidence and independence in reading. The expectation is that children will complete the scheme by the end of Key Stage 1. When children complete the scheme they move onto 'Read Write Inc' comprehension. 

Key Stage 2

As children enter Key Stage 2 and complete the Read, Write Inc. scheme (working at the expected standard) they move on to the Oxford Reading Tree Books from level 8-level 20. Children also read for pleasure using books from the Accelerated Reader Scheme.

Why does it work?

• The systematic and lively programme is managed by our reading leader, Mrs Shafto.

• 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 in Reception begin taking part in a 30 minutes phonics session, this slowly increases to a full Read Write Inc session. Children are  grouped according to their reading level. The Read Write Inc session in Reception, includes the reading and get writing part of the programme.

• Children do not struggle because the work is too difficult or get bored because the work is too easy. Children are regularly assessed to make sure they are working at the correct level and are appropriately challenged. 

• A few children who need extra support to maintain progress, work 1:1 with a reading tutor (teaching assistant) who delivers tailored intervention to meet their needs and ensure that they do not fall behind their peers. 

• In Key Stage One, phonics and reading sessions are delivered in a 30 minute session, this is in addition to 60 minutes of English tuition.

How and What Do The Children Learn?

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.

• show that they comprehend the stories by answering 'Find It' and 'Prove It' discussion 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 write simple sentences.

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.