At St Peter’s Folkestone we use the Read Write Inc. (RWI) programme to begin our children’s reading journey.   RWI is a method of learning which teaches letter sounds and synthetic phonics and has proved to get children off to a flying start with their literacy learning.  

Reading opens the door to learning. A child who reads a lot will become a good reader. A good reader will be able to read more challenging material. A child who reads challenging material is a child who will learn. The more a child learns, the more they will want to find out.

Using RWI, the children learn to read effortlessly so that they can put all their energy into comprehending what they read. It also allows them to spell effortlessly so that they can put all their energy into composing what they write.

When using RWI to read the children will:

• Learn that sounds are represented by written letters.  To practice the sounds and learn how to pronounce them accurately please click the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkXcabDUg7Q

• Learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letter/letter groups using simple picture prompts. 

• Learn how to blend sounds and read words using Fred Talk. The following link shows how we teach children to ‘Fred talk, read the word’:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNyFikwNQTg

• Learn that some words with ‘tricky letters’ can’t be read using Fred Talk – these are known as red words – remember you can’t Fred a red!

• Read fun and lively stories featuring words they have learned to sound out. They then show they comprehend the stories by answering questions and discussing the text.

When using RWI to write the children will:

• Learn to write the letters/letter groups which represent 44 sounds. 

• Learn to spell words by saying the sounds using Fred Talk.  The following link shows how you can help your child to spell when they are writing with you at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=absSgYIPCns

• Write simple sentences.

During RWI lessons the children work in pairs so they can:

• answer every question
• practise every activity with their partner
• take turns in talking and reading to each other
• develop ambitious vocabulary

For a more detailed explanation of the RWI programme please click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjlPILhk7bQ

All children in Year 1 complete a phonics screening check in the summer term.  We hold a parents meeting at the start of the summer term to explain the process.  If you would like to find out more about the phonics screening check, please click the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbKGLJPp6ww

If you have any queries or would like to discuss the RWI programme further, please do not hesitate to contact the Reading and English Leader, Mrs Sarah Goodwin.