We ensure each phonic lesson is taught daily and consistently with fidelity to the Read, Write, Inc programme. We are a partner school with the English Hub to support Early Reading and to develop pupils reading for pleasure.
The school has a clear assessment system of pupils’ phonics progress over a half-tem period from Reception to Year 2 to accelerate the progress of reading and to ensure no child is left behind. The robust monitoring allows for swift identification of those children who need further support through 1:1 phonics intervention. By the end of Year 2, we strive to ensure that all children are fluent, confident readers as this not only helps them to read their chosen book but opens the door to a whole world of reading and learning opportunities.
There is an emphasis on fluent, efficient and ‘speedy’ reading (reading on sight) of both common words and those ‘trickier’ words (words which have uncommon vowel sounds such as said or they). Children will read stories several times in order to read fluently and gain good comprehension of the text.
The daily teaching of reading beyond phonics
When children are confident in phonics, including fluency they will move to daily reading lessons. AT the beginning of each week, children are explicitly taught new vocabulary. This is followed by modelling specific reading skills by the class teacher and children get the opportunity to practice the taught reading skills. Each session begins with a vocabulary retrieval task.
The intended impact of phonics and reading comprehension
The intended impact for our children is that they become fluent, confident readers who have a genuine enthusiasm and love of reading. Children will have a good level of comprehension and make inferences based on what they have read to become confident speakers in sharing their opinions and ideas on not only stories but life events too. Reading is at the heart of all learning and will enable children to access our full curriculum offer. Where interventions are implemented, they will demonstrate effective accelerated progress.
Supporting your child’s reading
All children, in all year groups, will be sent home with a reading book that is appropriate for their reading ability. Whilst children are taking part in the Read, Write, Inc they will take home a copy of the book that matches their current phonic learning. There will be an additional unfamiliar storybook for you to share with your child at home. We ask that you read at least 3 times a week with your child to support them in their reading journey.
Children who successfully complete the Read, Write, Inc phonics programme will be able to choose their own books to take home. Your child’s class teacher will guide them towards which books will be most suitable for them and which books they might enjoy.
