Read Write Inc. Phonics at Northbrook Primary Academy
At Northbrook Primary Academy, we are passionate about ensuring that every child becomes a confident and fluent reader. To give our children the best start on their reading journey, we use the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme, developed by Ruth Miskin. This structured and engaging approach to phonics is designed to support all children in learning to read accurately and fluently, and to develop a lifelong love of reading.
What is Read Write Inc.?
Read Write Inc. (RWI) is a highly effective phonics-based literacy programme used in thousands of schools across the UK. It is specially designed for children aged 4 to 7, but can also be used for older children who need additional support with reading and writing.
The programme teaches children to:
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Recognise the sounds that each letter (or group of letters) makes
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Blend these sounds together to read words
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Segment words into their sounds to spell them
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Develop comprehension skills through structured reading activities
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Build confidence through consistent routines and praise
How We Use RWI at Northbrook Primary Academy
1. Daily Phonics Lessons
All children in Early Years, Key Stage 1 and some children in Years 3 and 4 take part in a daily RWI phonics lesson. These lessons are taught in small groups based on each child’s current reading level. This ensures that every child receives targeted support and makes rapid progress.
2. Grouping by Ability
Children are regularly assessed and regrouped to match their progress. This allows teaching to be precisely matched to each child’s needs, whether they are just starting to learn their sounds or already reading short storybooks independently.
3. RWI Storybooks
Children use specially written RWI storybooks which are carefully matched to the sounds they are learning. This builds fluency and confidence. The books are fun, engaging, and help children to experience success in reading right from the beginning.
4. Writing Through Phonics
Alongside reading, children are taught to write using the sounds they know. Each RWI session includes spelling, handwriting and writing tasks to support children's early writing skills and sentence construction.
5. Home Support
Children take home RWI Book Bag Books matched to their reading level, along with reading records.
Catch-Up and Intervention
For children who need extra support, we offer one-to-one RWI tutoring sessions. These are short, focused interventions designed to help children make rapid progress and close the reading gap.
Why We Love Read Write Inc.
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It is a consistent and proven approach to phonics
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Children learn to read quickly and confidently
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It supports both reading and writing development
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Lessons are fun, fast-paced and full of praise
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It ensures no child is left behind in their reading journey
Want to Know More?
If you would like to find out more about how we teach phonics at Northbrook Primary Academy or how you can help at home, please speak to your child’s class teacher or contact our Phonics Lead, Miss Sharrock.
You can also visit the Read Write Inc. Parent Page for helpful videos and resources.
