Phonics & Spelling
EYFS and KS1
At Palace Wood Primary School, we use the Read Write Inc. (RWI) programme to give children in Reception and Key Stage 1 the best possible start with their reading and writing. We also use RWI in Key Stage 2 to provide a targeted approach for children who would benefit from additional phonics support.
We strongly believe that reading is one of the most important skills children can develop at primary school. Our aim is for children to become confident, fluent readers as quickly as possible, so that they can enjoy books and use their reading skills to learn across the curriculum. RWI helps children develop the skills they need to read and spell confidently and fluently. By learning to read words effortlessly, children can focus their attention on understanding and enjoying what they read. Similarly, developing fluent spelling skills allows children to focus on expressing and composing their ideas when writing.
Read Write Inc.
Read Write Inc. Phonics, Literacy & Language, Fresh Start and Spelling are highly successful literacy programmes for 4-13 year-olds created by Ruth Miskin and published by Oxford University Press.
When using RWI to read, children will:
· Learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letters or letter groups using simple picture prompts.
· Learn to read words using Fred Talk, where they say the sounds and blend them together.
· Read carefully matched stories containing words they have learned to sound out.
· Develop their understanding of what they have read by answering questions and discussing the stories.
When using RWI to write, children will:
· Learn to write the letters and letter groups that represent the 44 sounds, using helpful handwriting phrases.
· Learn to spell words by saying the sounds using Fred Fingers.
· Develop confidence in writing words and sentences using the sounds they have learned.
RWI Book Progression
As children become confident at blending sounds together, they will be introduced to Sound Blending Books to practise their reading at home. As their confidence develops, they will progress to Ditty Sheets, where they will practise reading simple sentences using the sounds they have learned. Once children know all of the Set 1 sounds, including the special friends ‘sh’, ‘ch’, ‘th’, ‘ng’, ‘nk’ and ‘qu’, they will be introduced to Red Ditty Books.
Children will be assessed termly by the Reading Leader to monitor their progress and ensure they move through the RWI programme at the appropriate pace. The books children take home are carefully matched to their individual reading ability, ensuring that they are able to practise the sounds and words they have been taught in school while developing their fluency, accuracy and confidence.
Red and Green Words
Throughout the RWI books, children will encounter red words and green words. Red words are words that cannot always be easily sounded out and therefore need to be learned by sight. Some red words also introduce children to new and challenging vocabulary. Green words are words that contain the sounds children have been learning and can therefore be sounded out and blended.
Children will read their book several times with their phonics teacher during the week. This means that, when the book comes home, they should be familiar with the story and able to confidently recognise and read the red and green words. We encourage children to read their RWI book regularly at home with an adult. This repeated practice helps children to develop accuracy, fluency and confidence, supporting them to become speedy and successful readers.
Useful RWI Videos
Please find below some useful videos and resources to help you learn more about the Read Write Inc. (RWI) programme and how you can support your child at home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbWIujM1WGM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8vuje-wMQw
How can I help at home?
We believe that helping children to learn to read is a partnership between home and school. There are lots of simple ways you can support your child at home. When practising phonics, it is important that the sounds are pronounced using pure sounds, rather than adding an extra sound to the end. Please watch the pronunciation video guide below to help you support your child correctly.
We also have RWI Virtual Classroom videos available for you to watch with your child at home. The videos are matched to your child's RWI level and provide additional practice of the sounds and words they are currently learning. Children will receive a QR code for you to scan and access at home. Please try to watch these videos regularly with your child. A few minutes of practice each day can make a big difference to your child's confidence and progress.
Spelling
At Palace Wood Primary School, we use Read Write Inc. (RWI) Spelling from Year 2 to Year 6. Once children in Year 2 have completed the RWI Phonics programme, they will transition onto the RWI Spelling programme. This allows them to build on the phonics knowledge they have developed and apply it to more complex spelling patterns, rules and words as they progress through Key Stage 2.
RWI Spelling is a short, focused programme that takes approximately 15–20 minutes each day. Each spelling unit is taught over one week, with five sessions designed to build children's understanding and confidence step by step. The programme is built on the principles of phonics and combines engaging, fast-paced lessons with regular practice and assessment. Children develop their knowledge of spelling patterns, rules and strategies, supporting them to become increasingly accurate and independent spellers.
RWI Spelling also provides children with opportunities to apply their spelling knowledge in their writing, helping them to develop the confidence and skills they need as they progress through primary school.
Our Weekly Spelling Sessions
Each spelling unit follows a five-day cycle, giving children plenty of opportunities to learn, practise and apply their new spelling knowledge.
Session 1 – Introduce and Learn
Children begin by quickly recalling spellings from the previous unit to help consolidate their learning. They are then introduced to the new sound or spelling rule for the week through a short, engaging video. Children practise the new rule through a Spelling Zone activity before taking their new spelling words home to practise.
Session 2 – Dots, Dashes and Word Changing
Children explore the sounds within words using dots and dashes. They also investigate how words can change by looking at root words, prefixes and suffixes.
Session 3 – Choose the Right Word
Children practise using their spelling words in context. They choose the correct word to complete sentences, helping them understand both the spelling and meaning of the words they are learning.
Session 4 – Four in a Row
This fun activity gives children the opportunity to practise and test their spelling words with a partner. Children take turns challenging each other, helping to build confidence and improve their recall.
Session 5 – Dictation and Assessment
Children work with a partner to read sentences to one another. They write the sentences down, focusing carefully on their spelling, and then peer assess their partner's work. This allows children to apply the spelling rule they have learned throughout the week.
Children will also bring home a set of weekly spellings to practise. These words are linked to the focus spelling pattern or rule they have been learning in school that week.
Regular practice at home will help children to remember and apply the spelling pattern with confidence. At the end of the week, children will complete a spelling check to see how well they have understood and remembered the words and spelling pattern they have been learning.
