Our Literacy Specialism

See our age-appropriate reading lists, with recommended books for children in years 2-6, downloadable from the bottom of this page.

We chose literacy as our specialism because we believe that learning to read, write and communicate effectively underpins all learning.  Reading is taught through the teaching of traditional phonics (see below) and children are encouraged to read for pleasure and take books home.

What is Read Write Inc?

Read Write Inc (RWI) is a phonics based programme which helps children learn to read and write. Children learn to develop their skills by blending sounds to read using ‘Fred talk’ and by segmenting sounds when writing words using ‘Fred fingers’.

Children begin the programme in Reception and will remain on the programme until they are reading and writing independently using their blending and segmenting skills. Most children complete by Year 2, however any children who are still working on developing their reading and writing skills will remain on the scheme in Key stage 2.

Here at Harris Garrard Academy all of our children have started the programme. They have been grouped according to their stage of reading and RWI lessons are mixed and taught by different Read Write Inc teachers. Children who need extra support to maintain progress also work with a teaching assistant for an extra ten minutes a day.

Children are taught a sound a day in Reception and three sounds a day in Years 1 and 2. The children will then complete reading and writing activities. This takes place between 11:30 and 12:30pm every day. Children are also assessed each half term.

We are currently in the process of grouping Key stage 2 children in Read Write Inc groups and they will begin their Read Write Inc sessions soon. More information on this can be found at www.ruthmiskin.com