Writing

Read Write Inc allows the children to spell effortlessly so that they can put their energy into working out what they want to write.

When using ‘Read Write Inc’ to write, the children will:

• Learn to write the letters/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds
• Learn to write words by sounding them out (segmenting) and then writing the corresponding graphemes

Speaking & Listening

When using ‘Read Write Inc’, the children work in pairs to:

• Answer questions to practise every activity
• Take turns talking to each other
• Give positive praise to each other
• Blend sounds to read words
• Learn to read words by blending the phonemes that they have learnt in their daily phonics lessons

Reading at The Minster Juniors

At The Minster Juniors Croydon, we aim for all our children to become fluent, confident readers who are passionate about reading. Children who read regularly or are read to regularly have the opportunity to open the doors to so many different worlds! More importantly, reading will give your child the tools to become independent life-long learners.

We achieve this through:

• Story time every day
• A text led curriculum using high quality texts
• Teaching of Reading
• Salvation Army volunteers to hear children reading
• Reading competitions
• Book Swap Events
• Highly engaging class book corners that are well stocked
• A well-stocked library area, dedicated time for class visits
• Daily phonics interventions to support children with decoding and comprehension skills

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Why read to your child?

https://schools.ruthmiskin.com/training/view/yrevj3xB/sV6ZKCQ8

How to Read with your children at home:

While reading to/with your child, try to engage them by:

• Try to bring the books to life – talk about the characters, the pictures and what’s happening so the story can capture your child’s imagination.
• Don’t be afraid to try different voices.
• Encourage your child to turn the page or point to the words, if they would like to.
• Discuss what might happen next
• Make links to other stories, where appropriate
• Pause during a repeated phrase/word to give your child an opportunity to fill a gap.
• Spot rhyming words together, or pause to encourage your child to fill in the missing word.
• Have fun! If you and your child are having fun, this will help develop a love of reading.

Read Write Inc. Phonics and Fresh Start

For struggling readers and children new to English we use Read Write Inc. Phonics (Year 3 and 4) and Fresh Start (Year 5 and 6) to give your child the best possible support with their literacy. We have included links below, with helpful videos to support your child at home.

• What is Read Write Inc. Phonics?
https://schools.ruthmiskin.com/training/view/OI1tqxff/9BYZwQWw

• Understanding Phonics:
https://schools.ruthmiskin.com/training/view/WRhmJhsm/ou0gYN

• How to say the sounds:
https://schools.ruthmiskin.com/training/view/07rSPhst/E1aDjCKL

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Visits to Croydon Library:

Children across our school will have the opportunity to visit the local library for events at least once a year.

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Visiting Authors:

Throughout the year, children will meet a range of visiting authors who inspire them to read more widely and learn about what writing a book involves from a published author’s perspective.

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Book Week & World Book Day:

The Minster Junior School always celebrates World Book Day as part of a specially themed week full of exciting activities that raise the profile of reading and motivate the children to be more adventurous in their selection of books.

Previous Book Weeks have included:

• Visiting authors
• Themed dress-up day
• Reading competitions
• Visits to the local bookshops for book events
• Book Fairs – Scholastic Book Fair

Here are some useful websites for age appropriate reading books:

Free reading books:
Free eBook library – practise reading with phonics eBooks – Oxford Owl

Recommended Reads:
Primary School Reading Lists for Children aged 3-11

Video Library:

Please click on the links below to watch our support video collection.