Phonics refers to knowledge of letter sounds and the ability to apply that knowledge in decoding unfamiliar printed words. It was first introduced as code for sound. A basic subject initially, phonics got adapted later into school curriculum’s.

At Holistic Yellow, we use the Read Write Inc. programme to teach phonics. It is a sound based programme which helps children learn to read whilst also developing a wide range of vocabulary, encouraging their love of stories. 

Phonics sessions are fun and pacy which involve flash cards games and tasks. The students learn tricky words, spelling rules and annunciation, which in turn aids them with their reading and writing. At Holistic Yellow, the children are taught a sound a day and are assisted to become part of groups at their own pace and according to their individual reading journey. When starting with a new lesson, students pick up a new sound and learn to read and write with it. They also revisit previously taught words for fluency. 

Complimenting this, the children will have a carefully matched storybook which they read with a partner and develop phonic comprehension skills. Over the week the same book is read three times; one for decoding, one for fluency and one for comprehension.

One of the most valuable skills we can gift our children is the ability to communication, this means being confident with words – how to read them, what they mean and how to spell them correctly. This link between phonics, vocabulary knowledge and spelling is crucial. Children tend to organically become excited to learn new words and spellings, and continue to expand their vocabulary, which in turn, means that they will happily take on new learning across different subjects.

The read write Inc. programme was developed by Ruth Miskin and more information on this can be found at www.ruthmiskin.com