Read, Write, Inc

Read, Write, Inc.

At Leesons Primary School the Read Write Inc. scheme of work is followed to help children in Early Years develop their speaking and listening, reading and writing skills.  It is a scheme of work developed for literacy by Ruth Miskin, who is one of the UK’s leading authorities on teaching children to read.  The Read Write Inc scheme is also followed in Year 1 to aid children's continued learning of phonics.

We are really excited about using Read Write Inc. at Leesons. It has had a positive impact on children’s reading progress in schools nationally and has been rated as outstanding by the Department of Education. 

At the start of each new term children in Early Years, as well as in Year One, are assessed to help identify whether a child has gaps (or children who are surging ahead) in their knowledge of phonics.  Reception and Year 1 children are assigned to their own small group for regular reading (and writing in Reception) sessions with a trained instructor using Read Write Inc. methods.  These groups are organised according to their specific needs, and the specific sounds and letters are taught in fun and engaging ways.

Regular assessments help to identify children who are making pleasing progress and they are placed in a group where the books may be a bit more challenging.  On the other hand, regular assessments also help identify children who may need extra help.  This is provided on a 1:1 basis, at least three times a week.

A considerable amount of time and money has been invested in the training of teacher and teaching assistants alike.  The training is ongoing and led by Miss Maple, our Read, Write Inc. leader.

Five key principles underpin the teaching in all Read Write Inc. sessions as taken from the Teacher Handbook:  

1) Participation

As they are in small groups, children participate fully in every session. They are able to maintain high levels of concentration and they do not miss key elements of the teaching.

2)  Praise

Children work together as partners. They take turns to teach and praise each other. They are motivated by praise from their teachers and teaching assistants.

3)   Pace

Sessions never drag. The lively pace keeps every child fully engaged and on task.

4)   Purpose

Every instructor has been trained in Read Write Inc. methods. They know the purpose of each activity, and how it leads into the next.

5)  Passion

Instructors, too, become passionate about their teaching as they see the children enjoying the progress they are making.