Phonics

Pupils are taught to read by using phonics. At Magna Carta, we follow Ruth Miskin’s Read, Write Inc. Phonics programme. This is taught in Reception and key stage 1, and as an intervention programme when needed for pupils in key stage 2. 

Read Write Inc. Phonics teaches pupils to read accurately and fluently with good comprehension. They learn to form each letter, spell correctly, and compose their ideas step-by-step. Pupils learn the English alphabetic code: first they learn one way to read the 40+ sounds and blend these sounds into words, then learn to read the same sounds with alternative graphemes.

They experience success from the very beginning. Lively phonic books are closely matched to their increasing knowledge of phonics and ‘tricky’ words and, as pupils re-read the stories, their fluency increases.

Along with a thought-provoking introduction, prompts for thinking out loud and discussion, pupils are helped to read with a storyteller’s voice.

Pupils write every day, rehearsing out loud what they want to say, before spelling the words using the graphemes and ‘tricky’ words they know.

They practise handwriting every day: sitting at a table comfortably, they learn correct letter formation and how to join letters speedily and legibly.

Pupils’ composition (ideas, vocabulary and grammar) is developed by drawing on their own experiences and talking about the stories they read.

Please see below for videos explaining Read, Write Inc and how you can support your child at home with reading.