How do we teach phonics and early reading at Old Mill?
At Old Mill, we use Read, Write Inc. to teach phonics and reading. Both the school and home reading books complement each other.
The Read, Write Inc. books will be your child’s primary reading book until they finish the scheme.
These books contain words that your child will be able to phonetically decode along with tricky red words that your child needs to learn to read on sight.
Bookmarks
Each time your child changes to a new RWI book level, they will receive a bookmark with red words that they will be encountering at that level. Please practise reading these words (in and out of order) until your child is confident. They are key words and need learning so that your child can read them on sight. Keep practise light-hearted and give lots of encouragement.
Reading at home - what to do:
Practise is key when learning to read. Most children need to read their RWI book 3 times as this encourages confidence, fluency and understanding.
● First read: your child will probably be decoding words (sounding out) and trying to read accurately which means they aren’t fully really for meaning.
● Second read: your child will hopefully be reading accurately, developing fluency and pace.
● Third and final read: your child can read for pleasure and understanding of the text. Once your child can read their book fluently, they can practise using expression- this is a real opportunity to use their storytelling voice.
● It is important that you read and follow the guidance and explanation at the front of each reading book as this explains what to do when reading with your child. Make sure your child understands the meaning of the words in the vocabulary check. Try to establish a routine so that reading becomes part of your daily life.
Questions to answer
Comprehension (understanding) is very important, and at the end of each book there are questions to chat about. Once your child reaches yellow books there is a second set of questions called ‘Questions to read and answer’. Answer these questions on a different day.
Sharing book
Ideally, children should be reading every day so we will supplement RWI home books with additional books from our previous reading book scheme. Please be aware that these books could potentially contain sounds that your child hasn’t learnt yet which is why we class these as a ‘sharing book.’ This is a book that you and your child can read/share together for pleasure and to encourage a love of reading. The balance of the shared reading will depend on the book, and your child.
Remember to support your child by encouraging them to sound out words and answer questions about the story. Help your child with new vocabulary, explain what new words mean and model how to use the words in a sentence.
Please remember the Read, Write Inc. book is your child’s main book which should be read three times.
Sharing stories
Every child loves listening to a story. As a teacher, it is one of my favourite times of the day! At home, read stories to your child that they cannot yet read for themselves. Children will only want to become readers if they experience the joy of listening to a range of stories, non- fiction and poetry. Very soon, they will be able to read those books for themselves.
Phonics activities
We will sometimes send games/activities home that will support phonics and reading. Unless stated otherwise, these can stay at home for your child to practise. These will often focus on reinforcing sounds and building on their speed of reading; we want children to develop sight recognition of words and not always use ‘sounding out’ if it isn’t needed. The way to achieve this is by practise.
And finally…
Our aim is that all children become confident young readers – above all, we want them to develop a life-long love of reading. Please take time to praise your child’s efforts as learning to read takes hard work, perseverance and effort. Your child will progress more quickly if they are encouraged and feel confident.
Please ask your child’s teacher if you ever have any queries about reading- we are always willing to help!
Mrs Sampson
Phonics Leader
Paper copies of information on the school website can be obtained upon request.