Scroll to content
Menu
Barcroft Primary School home page

Barcroft Primary School

Unlocking potential today for a brighter tomorrow

Phonics

 

At Barcroft Primary School we teach children to read use using the synthetic phonics approach. Synthetic phonics teaches children to recognise and say the sounds in words (decoding) so that they may blend them to read the whole word. It also teaches them to hear the sounds in words so that they can spell them (segmenting).

 

We follow Read Write Inc to teach synthetic phonics.  

 

Using Read Write Inc, the children learn to read effortlessly so that they can put all their energy into comprehending what they read. It also allows them to spell effortlessly so that they can put all their energy into composing what they write.

  

In Nursery the children will start the RWI programme which continues until Year 2 when the children move onto English and guided reading lessons. 

 

 When using Read Write to read the children will:

 

  • learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letter/letter groups using simple picture prompts.
  • learn to read words using Fred Talk.
  • read lively stories featuring words they have learned to sound out.
  • show that they comprehend the stories by answering questions.

During writing sessions the children will be encouraged to:

 

  • learn to write the letters/letter groups which represent 44 sounds.
  • learn to write words by saying the sounds in Fred Talk.
  • write simple sentences.
  • compose stories based on picture strips.
  • compose a range of stories based on writing frames.

 

 

Children are organised into homogenous groupings for phonics so that they are taught according to their reading ability rather than their age. Teachers and teaching assistants lead phonic groups so that they are small and pupils are well supported.

 

In Key Stage 2 teachers build upon synthetic phonics knowledge and will refer the child back to the sound card phrases to help with the spelling of unknown words. Any children who we feel would benefit from additional RWI sessions will be targeted and given this continued support.  This enables pupils to learn specific phonic sounds and skills in order for them to read fluently. There is a particular focus on developing children’s comprehension and spelling skills.

 

In KS1 we implement guided reading sessions after the children have completed the RWI programme. A range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry books are covered for at least 1 week. Guided reading in KS1 consists of the VIPERS concept that is followed throughout the school.

 

Vocabulary

Inference

Prediction

Expand/explain

Retrieval

Sequence

 

The children develop the concept of reading with fluency and expression whilst embedding the skills they learnt from the RWI programme. 60 seconds reading programme is an intervention that is used for any pupils who struggle with this element.  

 

Phonic Screening check

In Year 1, a Phonic Screening Check will take place in the Summer Term.  This will check the child’s ability to use their phonic knowledge to read a list of 40 words which will consist of real and nonsense words (alien words).

 

Information for Parents:

Use this link to find out more about the RWI program:

www.ruthmiskin.com

 

Oxford Owl is a free website built to help you help your child learn to read and love to read.  It contains

  • Over 100 FREE ebooks to enjoy with your child
  • Phonics guide (including how to say the sounds correctly)
  • Ideas for motivating boys to read
  • Great ways to keep up with reading in the holidays
  • Reading games and activities.

www.oxfordowl.co.uk

 

Phonic games

https://readingeggs.co.uk/articles/phonics-activities/

https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/resources/phase/2/picnic-on-pluto

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/phonics/balloon-phonics-cvc-game

If you want further information about the curriculum content your child is covering please call the school office to arrange an appointment to see the subject leader. 

Key Information Graphic