Read Write Inc. Phonics
Read Write Inc. Phonics is a literacy instructional programme used in Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and with students in Key Stage 2 requiring continued support in reading. Through Read Write Inc. Phonics, we teach our students letter sounds, students then practice reading and spelling words using the sounds they know, and then students read decodable books containing the sounds and words they know. Students also write about the books they read and engage in grammar and spelling activities surrounding the text.
Phonics
We use 44 sounds to make all the words in the English language. This means we have a problem, though. We only have 26 letters to make those 44 sounds. The 26 letters work independently (e.g.,/c/ /a/ /t/ = 'cat'), in pairs (e.g., /sh/ /i/ /p/ = ship) and in threes (e.g., /r/ /igh/ /t/ = 'right') to represent one sound. Letter combinations that work in pairs and in threes are called "Special Friends" - they are two or three letters, but still make one sound.
Students learn the 44 sounds of the English language in 3 sets as follows:
Set 1 Sounds |
m
| a | s | d
| t
| i | n
| p
| g | o
|
c
| k
| u
| b
| f | e
| l | h | sh
| r |
| j | v | y
| w
| th | z | ch | q
| x | ng / nk
|
Click here for a guide of how to pronounce each Set 1 sound.
Each sound uses a picture and word to help students remember. Click here for the phonics picture cards and stories.
A rhyme is used to help students form (write) the letter properly. Click here for the letter formation rhymes.
**At this stage, students do not need to know the letter names. The sound the letter makes is the most important and the main focus of Set 1.**
|
| Set 2 Sounds |
ay
| ee
| igh
| ow
| oo
| oo
| ar
| or
| air
| ir
|
ou
| oy
| | | | | | | |
|
Click here for a guide of how to pronounce each Set 2 sound.
Each sound uses a rhyme to help students remember. Click here for the Set 2 rhymes.
|
Set 3 Sounds
|
ea
| oi
| a-e
| i-e
| o-e
| u-e
| aw
| are
| ur
| er
|
ow
| ai
| oa
| ew
| ire
| ear
| ure
| tion
| tious / cious
|
Fred Talk
Red Words
Red Words are words that don't fit with the regular rules of phonics. When practicing with your child at home, do not encourage them to use "Fred Talk". These words need to be memorized so students can quickly recognise and read the words by sight. Students also need to be able to spell Red Words. Students learn new Red Words through rhythms and rhymes and are introduced to new words as they progress through the levels.
To help your child at home, use the Red Words files below for the colour level your child is currently reading at. Practice reading the words by sight and ask them to spell each of the words. Have fun!