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Phonics

Phonics

At Dartford Primary Academy we teach phonics through the Ruth Miskin Read Write Inc (RWI) programme. This programme works by regularly assessing the needs of your child and teaching them exactly what they need to know in progressive steps. 

The sounds that pupils need to learn in order to decode words are divided into 3 groups, Sets 1,2 and 3. Once your child is secure in knowing the sounds in set 1  and blending them into words, they will move on to set 2 and then set 3. Your child may mention “red words,” these are the “tricky” words we can’t sound out.

RWI teaches children to not only read accurately and fluently but also teaches comprehension skills and embeds a love for reading. 

Read Write Inc (RWI) is closely matched to the Year 1 National Curriculum. The average child will aim to finish the RWI programme by the end of Year 1, or by the end of the very first term in Year 2 if he/she started their RWI journey in Nursery or Year R. Interventions are used, where necessary, to accelerate progress of children and fill gaps in knowledge. 

To help your child at home.

  • You can help your child to say the pure sounds ( ‘m’ not ‘muh’, ‘s’ not ‘suh’ etc )  as quickly as they can, and then they blend the sounds together to say the whole word. Watch the video link below to help with this.
  • Talk about the sounds rather than letter names until your child is secure in sets 1 to 3.
  • Create your own flashcards with your child to practise pronouncing the sounds
  • Make up words (alien words) and work out how to pronounce them using the sounds

 https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/find-a-book/read-write-inc-phonics–1/#videos 

 Read Write Inc. Phonics Flashcards for Home

We do not normally recommend buying flashcards for home use; however, we make an exception with these. They are great cards linked to the phonics scheme we do in school. You could use them with your son/daughter during their time in Reception and Year 1. They retail at £6.99 and can be bought on Amazon.

What People Say

  • Pupils are given many high quality opportunities to develop their curiosity and creativity. They are encouraged to use their imagination, for example when thinking of ways to praise a friend, and are taught to respect the feelings and viewpoints of others.

    Ofsted

  • Pupils are engaged and motivated by the way teachers present and teach the well-planned curriculum. This not only ensures that good learning takes place but makes a strong contribution to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

    Ofsted

  • Teaching assistants make a strong contribution to the good learning taking place, especially when pupils with special educational needs are taught in small groups outside the classroom. They work in very close partnership with teachers and bring an additional range of helpful skills and experiences into the classrooms.

    Ofsted