RWI Phonics
At our school, we use Read Write Inc. Phonics (RWI) to teach children to read and write.
Read Write Inc. is a carefully structured phonics programme that teaches children to recognise sounds, blend them together to read words and use their phonic knowledge when spelling. Children read books that are closely matched to the sounds they know, helping them to become accurate, fluent and confident readers.
Our aim is for every child to learn to read as quickly as possible so that they can enjoy books, understand what they read and access the wider curriculum successfully.
Why is reading so important?
Learning to read is one of the most important parts of a child’s education. Reading allows children to access every area of the curriculum and helps them develop their vocabulary, imagination, knowledge and understanding of the world.
We want children not only to learn how to read, but also to develop a lifelong love of books and stories.
Children benefit from:
- Reading aloud regularly
- Re-reading familiar books to develop fluency
- Listening to adults read stories
- Talking about books and new vocabulary
- Visiting libraries and choosing books
- Seeing the adults around them enjoying reading
Families play an essential part in this journey. Even a short period of reading together each day can make a significant difference.
What is phonics?
Phonics teaches children the relationship between spoken sounds and the letters or groups of letters that represent them.
For example, children learn that the sound “m” is represented by the letter m, while sounds such as “sh”, “igh” and “ay” are represented by groups of letters.
Through Read Write Inc., children learn to:
- Recognise sounds and the letters that represent them
- Blend sounds together to read words
- Segment words into sounds for spelling
- Read common words quickly and accurately
- Read with increasing fluency and expression
- Understand and discuss what they have read
- Form letters and develop their writing skills
How are Read Write Inc. lessons organised?
Children take part in regular Read Write Inc. lessons. During these lessons, they learn new sounds and review sounds that have already been taught.
Children practise:
- Reading Speed Sounds
- Blending sounds to read words
- Reading Green Words
- Learning Red Words
- Reading carefully matched Storybooks
- Developing accuracy, fluency and expression
- Discussing stories and answering questions
- Spelling using Fred Fingers
- Writing words and sentences
Children are assessed regularly and placed in a group that closely matches their current phonic knowledge and reading fluency. This means that teaching can be focused at the appropriate level.
Groups are flexible and change as children make progress. Children who need additional support receive extra practice or one-to-one tutoring to help them keep up.
The Read Write Inc. Speed Sounds
The programme is organised into three sets of sounds.
Set 1 Sounds
Children begin by learning the most common single-letter sounds. They are then introduced to sounds made by two letters, such as sh, ch, th, ng and nk.
Children also learn to blend these sounds together to read simple words.
Set 2 Sounds
Children move on to sounds and spelling patterns such as ay, ee, igh, ow, oo, ar, or, air, ir and ou.
Set 3 Sounds
Children learn further spelling patterns and different ways of representing sounds, including ea, oi, a-e, i-e, o-e, u-e, aw, are, ur, er, ai, oa, ew and ire.
Saying the sounds correctly
It is important that sounds are pronounced clearly. We use pure sounds and avoid adding an extra “uh” sound.
For example:
- Say “m”, not “muh”
- Say “s”, not “suh”
- Say “t”, not “tuh”
- Say “c”, not “cuh”
Using pure sounds makes it much easier for children to blend sounds together successfully.
You can watch videos demonstrating how to say the sounds correctly on the Ruth Miskin Parents and Carers website.
Special Friends
In Read Write Inc., children are taught that some sounds are represented by two or three letters. These are known as Special Friends.
Examples include:
- sh in ship
- ch in chip
- ay in play
- igh in night
- oa in boat
Children are encouraged to identify the Special Friends before sounding out the word.
Fred Talk and blending
Children are introduced to Fred the Frog. Fred can only speak in sounds, so the children help him blend the sounds together to make a complete word.
For example:
- c-a-t → cat
- sh-i-p → ship
- ch-air → chair
- l-igh-t → light
This is called Fred Talk.
Children are taught to use the following strategy:
Special Friends – Fred Talk – read the word
As children become more confident, they learn to blend the sounds silently. This is known as Fred in your head and helps children to become faster, more fluent readers.
Families can also use Fred Talk during everyday activities. For example:
- “Put on your c-oa-t.”
- “It is time for l-u-n-ch.”
- “Can you find your h-a-t?”
- “Please get a f-or-k.”
Fred Fingers and spelling
Children use Fred Fingers to help them spell words.
They say the word, identify each sound and press the sounds onto their fingers before writing the corresponding letters.
For example, the word ship contains three sounds:
sh – i – p
Using Fred Fingers helps children to remember each sound in the correct order.
Green Words and Red Words
Children may talk about two different types of words.
Green Words
Green Words can be decoded using the sounds the children have been taught. Children can use Fred Talk to sound out and blend these words.
Red Words
Red Words contain an unusual spelling pattern and cannot always be sounded out in the usual way. Children learn to recognise these words by sight.
Examples include:
- the
- said
- you
- was
- what
- where
Children are encouraged to “stop and think” when they see a Red Word.
Reading books
Children read Read Write Inc. Storybooks that are closely matched to the sounds and words they know. This means that children should be able to read most of the words using their phonic knowledge.
Children may bring home different types of books.
Read Write Inc. Storybooks
These are familiar books that children have already practised in school. Re-reading them at home helps children develop accuracy, confidence, fluency and expression.
Book Bag Books
These provide additional reading practice and are matched to the Storybook your child has been reading in school. They contain sounds and words that your child has already been taught.
Picture books and sharing books
These books are intended to be enjoyed with an adult. They may contain sounds and words that are beyond your child’s current independent reading level.
Please read these books to your child, talk about the story and encourage them to retell it using the pictures.
Why does my child bring home a familiar book?
A familiar book may appear easy because your child has already practised it in school. This is an important part of learning to read.
Children read their Read Write Inc. Storybook several times:
- The first read develops accuracy.
- The second read develops speed and fluency.
- The third read develops expression and a storyteller’s voice.
Please avoid saying, “This book is too easy.” Instead, celebrate how confidently and fluently your child can read it.
Supporting your child when they read
When listening to your child read:
- Find a quiet and comfortable place
- Ask your child to practise the sounds and words first
- Encourage them to spot any Special Friends
- Ask them to use Fred Talk if they hesitate
- Give them time to blend the word
- Tell them a word if they remain stuck
- Avoid asking them to guess from the picture
- Re-read a sentence to keep the story moving when necessary
- Encourage them to use Fred in your head
- Praise their effort, perseverance and success
- Re-read the book to develop fluency
- Encourage them to use expression and a storyteller’s voice
- Keep the experience calm, positive and enjoyable
Talking about books
Talking about books helps children develop their vocabulary and understanding.
You might say:
- “I wonder why the character did that?”
- “What do you think might happen next?”
- “How do you think the character is feeling?”
- “This reminds me of…”
- “What was your favourite part?”
- “What does this word mean?”
- “Can you tell me what happened in your own words?”
Try to make the conversation natural rather than turning reading into a test.
Reading stories to your child
Please continue reading stories to your child, even when they are beginning to read independently.
When reading together:
- Make storytime feel special
- Find a quiet place and sit together
- Introduce new books with excitement
- Read the story with enthusiasm
- Use different voices for the characters
- Explain unfamiliar ideas naturally
- Talk about interesting events and vocabulary
- Connect the story to other books and experiences
- Read favourite stories again and again
- Encourage your child to join in with familiar parts
Children who enjoy stories are more likely to want to read for themselves.
What should I do if my child is struggling?
Remain patient and positive. Encourage your child to identify the Special Friends and use Fred Talk. Give them time to blend the sounds together.
If your child is still unsure, tell them the word and continue reading so that the flow and enjoyment of the story are not lost.
Children are regularly assessed in school. If a child requires further support, we provide additional practice or one-to-one tutoring to help them keep up with their peers.
Please speak to your child’s class teacher if you have concerns about their reading. We will be happy to discuss their progress, explain what they are currently learning and demonstrate the strategies used in school.
Information and resources for families
Read Write Inc. support for parents and carers
The Ruth Miskin Parents and Carers website contains helpful videos and resources explaining how Read Write Inc. Phonics is taught.
Parents and carers can use the website to:
- Hear how to pronounce the sounds correctly
- Learn about pure sounds and why they are important
- See how children use Fred Talk to blend words
- Understand how to support children with Set 1, Set 2 and Set 3 Sounds
- Find advice about reading with children at home
- Learn more about Read Write Inc. terminology and teaching strategies
We recommend visiting this page if you would like to understand the methods used in school and support your child in the same way at home.
Ten Top Tips for Reading Stories to Your Child
This short guide offers ten practical suggestions for making storytime enjoyable, engaging and valuable.
Frequently asked questions
This detailed guide answers practical questions about:
- Fred Talk and Fred in your head
- Special Friends
- Storybooks and Book Bag Books
- Set 1, Set 2 and Set 3 Sounds
- Green Words and Red Words
- Handwriting and pencil grip
- Fred Fingers and spelling
- Developing vocabulary and spoken language
- Additional resources for families
How We Teach Reading – Answers for Parents
This guide explains:
- How children are taught to read
- How children are assessed and grouped
- How families are informed about progress
- What happens when a child needs additional support
- Why regular attendance is important
- How phonics supports children who find reading difficult
- Who to contact if you have a concern
Useful websites
Oxford Owl – free e-books and reading activities
Ruth Miskin Training on YouTube – phonics guidance and demonstration videos
Ruth Miskin Training on Facebook – reading recommendations and programme information
Working together
Learning to read is one of the most important parts of a child’s education. By working together, we can help every child become an accurate, fluent and enthusiastic reader.
If you have any questions about Read Write Inc. or your child’s reading, please contact their class teacher. We are always happy to help.
Thank you for supporting your child’s reading journey.
