English: Reading
Phonics
St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School follows the Read Write Inc Speed Sounds Programme written by Ruth Miskin for the teaching and learning of Phonics.
Our children are taught one way of representing the 44 main sounds of English first, and then go on to learn the alternative spellings later on. Children are taught to recognise the sounds and to put them together (‘sound blend’ them) into words for reading.
When teaching the letter sounds, it is important to remember to keep them very ‘pure’ and distinct, to help with sound-blending later on. To enable your child to gain confidence in reading, they should only be asked to read words containing letter sounds they know securely.
Speed Sounds Set 1 (Nursery and Reception)
m - a - s - d - t - i - n - p - g - o - c - k - u - b - f - e - l - h - sh - r - j - v - y - w - th - z - ch - qu - x - ng – nk
(You may wish to purchase your own flashcard set to support learning at home. For this part of the programme you will need: RWI Home Phonics Flashcards Set 1 - Green Box)
Speed Sounds Set 2 (Reception and Year 1)
ay – ee – igh – ow – oo – oo – ar – or – air – ir – ou – oy
(You may wish to purchase your own flashcard set to support learning at home. For this part of the programme you will need:RWI More Home Phonics Flashcards Set 2 - Yellow Box)
Speed Sounds Set 3 (Year 1 and Year 2)
a-e – ea – i-e – o-e – u-e – aw – are – ur – er – ow – ai – oa – ew – ire – ear – ure – tious – tion
(You may wish to purchase your own flashcard set to support learning at home. For this part of the programme you will need:RWI More Home Phonics Flashcards Set 2 - Yellow Box)
How to say the sounds: A guide for parents
The Phonics Screening Check
The Phonics Screening Check is an assessment at the end of Year 1 to confirm whether individual children have learnt phonetic decoding to an appropriate standard. It enables schools to identify children who need additional help, so ensure they are given support to improve their reading skills. Children who do not 'pass' the check in Year 1 are able to retake it in Year 2.
It is a Statutory Requirement to carry out the screening check. The check is a short, simple screening check which consists of a list of 40 words and pseudo words (non-words), which the child reads one-to-one with their class teacher.
The Phonics Screening Check takes place in June and the result will be shared with you on your child's end of year report.
