Phonics
'Read, Write Inc.' Phonics
We use the Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics scheme to give children the best possible start in learning to read and write. You can support your child’s learning at home by following some simple steps:
What is Read Write Inc.?
Read Write Inc. Phonics is a structured programme that helps children learn:
Sounds (phonics): the building blocks of reading and writing.
Blending: putting sounds together to read words.
Segmenting: breaking words down into sounds to help with spelling.
Confidence: becoming fluent readers who enjoy books.
How You Can Help at Home
Practice the sounds:
Use the RWI sound chart and say the pure sounds with your child (e.g. mmm not muh).
Encourage your child to spot sounds in signs, labels, and books at home.
Read together every day:
Listen to your child read their RWI ‘book bag book’.
Re-read books to build fluency and confidence.
Share a bedtime story to nurture a love of reading.
Support with writing:
Encourage your child to use ‘Fred Talk’ (sounding out) to help spell words.
Praise their efforts to write independently, even if it’s not perfect.
Use online resources:
Parents can access free videos and guides from Ruth Miskin Training to support learning at home.
Key Tips
Keep practice short, fun, and positive.
Celebrate effort and progress, however small.
The more children read, the more confident and fluent they become.
If you’d like more support, please speak to your child’s class teacher—we’re always happy to help!
In School, high quality daily phonics lessons ensure that all children do make progress, from Early Years through into Key Stage One and even into early Key Stage 2, where necessary.
For more information about phonics at Our Lady & St Patrick's, please follow the links below to our Phonics & Reading page.
https://www.st-pat-maryport.cumbria.sch.uk/information-support-for-parents-carers/
Information for Parents & Carers about the Yr1 Phonics Screening Check
All children in Year 1 take a statutory test in the summer term, to asses their phonic ability. This is called the 'Year 1 Phonics Screening Check' and more information about this is below.
Supporting Phonics at Home
Pronunciation Guide
