Language

Phonics

At Willow Tree, we aim for all our children to become fluent, confident readers who are passionate about reading.

Children who read regularly or are read to regularly have the opportunity to open the doors to so many different worlds! More importantly, reading will give your child the tools to become independent life-long learners.

We use the Read Write Inc (RWI) Programme to get children off to a flying start with their literacy skills.  RWI is a method of teaching reading and writing that is centred around learning through phonics.

What is Read Write Inc?

Read Write Inc (RWI) is a phonics complete literacy programme which helps all children learn to read fluently and at speed so they can focus on developing their skills in comprehension, vocabulary and spelling.  The programme is designed for children aged 4-7, however at Willow Tree, we continue teaching RWI to children beyond the age of 7 if they still need support in their reading.

How will RWI be taught?

RWI sessions happen daily at Willow Tree Primary School.  All children are assessed half-termly and put into appropriate groups designed to challenge them and help them progress in their reading and writing skills.  The children work with other children who are at the same level as them in order to allow complete participation in lessons.

Five key principles underpin the teaching in all Read Write Inc, sessions:

Purpose – know the purpose of every activity and share it with the children, so they know the one thing they should be thinking about

Participation – ensure every child participates throughout the lesson. Partnership work is fundamental to learning

Praise – ensure children are praised for effort and learning, not ability

Pace – teach at an effective pace and devote every moment to teaching and learning

Passion – be passionate about teaching so children can be engaged emotionally.

Please click on the link below to learn more about RWI:

Information for parents – Read Write Inc.
http://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/parents/

 

Phonics Sounds

If you are unsure how to say the phonics sounds, then watch this video below.

Year 1 Phonics Screening

A number of years ago the Government introduced the Year 1 Phonics screening. All children in Year 1 are given a phonics test, looking at the children’s ability to read phonemes and distinguish real words from non words. For more information on the Phonics Screening please click on the link below

For the academic year 2023/2024 the Phonics screening for Year 1 will take place during the week of 17th June 2024.