Phonics at Pitmaston – Read, Write, Inc.

At Pitmaston Primary School we want all children to become accurate, fluent and expressive readers who understand every word they read. We believe reading is the key that opens up all other learning. We use a rigorous, engaging programme called ‘Read Write Inc’ and Ruth Miskin, the producer, states;

“Our mission is to teach every child to read and write, and  to keep them reading. No exceptions.”

Here at Pitmaston we mirror that in our teaching of reading from Preschool right the way through KS1 and KS2. This is a method of learning that enables children to read and spell using and applying letter sounds.

In Preschool and Reception children are introduced to Set 1 sounds (starting with sounds of the alphabet). This allows them to decode words using ‘Fred Talk’ where they sound out each letter and blend these together to read the word.  We also highly recommend ‘Incidental Fred Talk’ and this is fully embedded in everyday practice in both Preschool and Reception. ‘Incidental Fred Talk’ happens at any point of the day; the teacher may ask the children to get their c-oa-t. The teacher is expecting the children to hear the sounds for the word coat and say the word back to them. The last word of the sentence is broken up into sounds for the children to blend aloud. Examples; Find your sh-oe-s or put away your t-oy-s.

Alongside learning these sounds, the children will read carefully structured stories featuring the words they can sound out. Discussion about the story facilitates sound understanding, ensuring reading is both fun and purposeful.

Throughout Reception and Year 1, children then progress to learning ‘Special Friends’ (2 letters 1 sound) and ‘Chatty Friends’ (split sounds). As the children develop fluency in recognising and applying the sounds to reading words using their ‘Fred Talk’, we encourage them to ‘Fred in their Head’. This involves the children reading the sounds in their head and only speaking when they are ready to speak the whole word. Developing this skill, improves word recognition ready for improving fluency/ speedy reading.

Our Read Write Inc lead is Mrs Watson who regularly holds training and update sessions for staff and parents.

For more information, click the links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXOJUPNVnLc&list=PLDe74j1F52zSCiOMSn3zQDSzgu9TrbQ1c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjlPILhk7bQ

Watch our staff teach Set 1 sounds

Watch our staff teach Set 2 sounds

Watch our staff teach Set 3 sounds

phonics screening check Reception Parents phonics powerpoint year 1 parents phonics powerpoint set 1 sounds set 2 sounds set 3 sounds spelling support reading support early years comprehension questions for parents useful links