Phonics at Crookesbroom is taught using the Read Write Inc (RWI) Programme. Teachers follow structured lessons as part of this programme. The sounds are taught progressively; Set 1, Set 2 and Set 3 sounds. Each sound is introduced with a short rhyme and picture to make the sound memorable. These can be found at the bottom of this page.

Red words are also taught. These are words that cannot be sounded out and have tricky letters. These words need to be taught to be read on sight.

Our RWI Programme begins in Nursery where adults and pupils share a wide variety of books. This allows our pupils time to explore and use new vocabulary and develop understanding of story book language. Pupils are then introduced to the pictures that go with each Set 1 sound. In Summer term, pupils begin to learn the letter sound correspondences. Pupils then move through to the reception class where their RWI journey continues.

In Reception, pupils take part in daily RWI ‘Speed Sound’ sessions. In these sessions, pupils will learn to read and write a new sound, learn to orally blend and read simple words and will take part in short writing activities. As pupils learn and recall new sounds, they are then encouraged to break words down into individual sounds.

In Reception, pupils are also introduced to ‘Ditties’ and appropriate storybooks and are encouraged to apply their phonic learning appropriately.. Once pupils become more confident with their reading, they are then introduced to Set 2 sounds towards the end of the Reception year.

Pupils in Key Stage 1 receive daily RWI sessions for a minimum of 30 minutes. Pupils are taught in small groups that correspond to their most recent phonic assessments.

As in Early Years, each group of pupils are taught a Speed Sound lesson. In Key Stage 1, speed sounds may include Set 2 or Set 3 sounds. As part of their speed sound lesson, pupils also learn to read ‘green’ words’ and ‘nonsense’ words and are taught the skills needed to spell.

After their speed sound lesson, pupils are then guided through a 3 or 5 day plan to support their early reading skills. In RWI, pupils work with a reading partner to read: speed sounds; story green words; speedy green words and red words. Pupils continue to work in partners to read an appropriate phonetically decodable book.

Pupils in EYFS and KS1 are assessed at least once every half term to ensure that the phonics teaching they receive is closely matched to their assessment outcome.