At St Thomas More Catholic Primary School we teach our children to read and spell in using the Read, Write Inc scheme.

Who is Read, Write Inc. for?

The Read Write Inc. programme is for primary school children learning to read.

It enables every child to become a confident and fluent reader at the first attempt. Every child who completes Read Write Inc. learns to read fluently and confidently.

Using our method:

• Children in the early years learn to read confidently and fluently.
• Older children with reading difficulties make fast progress.
• Children with specific learning difficulties learn to read. The Read Write Inc. programme is also used with great success to support children of all ages. 

Why does it work?

• The systematic and lively programme is organised by an in-school leader – Mrs Cook (KS1 Lead).
• All staff (teachers and assistants) are trained together
• The children read and write for half an hour each day, grouped according to their reading level. (Currently an hour session for Reception children.)
• Children do not struggle because the work is too difficult or get bored because the work is specifically pitched to their level and understanding.
• Children who may require additional support will be taken out for interventions with a teaching assistant.
• Half termly, one to one reading assessments are carried out by the RWI Leader to ensure there is consistency in the approach. Children are then regrouped according to the progress they have made.

How and what do the children learn during RWI?

READING

The children:

• learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letters/letter groups using simple picture prompts

• learn to read words using sound blending

• read lively stories featuring words they have learned to sound out

• show that they comprehend the stories by answering 'Find It' and 'Prove It' discussion questions

WRITING

The children:

• learn to write the letters/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds

• learn to write words by saying the sounds and graphemes

• write simple sentences

• compose stories based on picture strips

• compose a range of texts using discussion prompts

TALKING

Children are assessed so they work with children at the same level. This allows them to take an active part in all lessons.

They work in pairs so that they:

• answer every question

• practise every activity with their partner

• take turns talking to each other