At QIS, we teach children to read effectively through the Read Write Inc. phonics programme. This includes teaching synthetic phonics, sight vocabulary, decoding and encoding words, as well as spelling and accurate letter formation.

We believe that teaching children to read and write independently and accurately are the fundamental skills that will help them make progress in all areas of their learning, and will have a huge impact on their self-esteem.

Parent video: What is Read Write Inc phonics

The Read Write Inc. programme will help children to read fluently and with good understanding. It involves children learning to read sounds, and understand how to blend them together (sound them out) to read and spell words. We start teaching the sounds gradually, and then provide the children with the appropriate books with the sounds they have learnt. All books have different activities that help the children comprehend and develop their ideas for writing. 

Students are regularly assessed in phonics by their class teacher, and parents are informed of their progress throughout the year.

Here are some useful links that will help parents with their child’s reading at home:

How to say the sounds:

Parent video: How to say the sounds

Phonics games are excellent tools to encourage children to read while also having fun. Here are some links to some free phonics games:

www.phonicsbloom.com/

www.phonicsplay.co.uk/

www.ictgames.com/mobilePage/literacy.html

At QIS, we strive to develop the love of reading that lasts a lifetime. We want parents to continue this at home and for parents to encourage their child to become enthusiastic and reflective readers by introducing them to high-quality books. 

We post e-copies of the Read Write Inc. books that children read in school through Google Classroom, as well as sending home weekly reading books. Every student has a school reading record book, which is regularly monitored by the class teacher.

How to read to your child guide:

Parent video: 10 things to think about when you read to your child

We recommend for parents to visit the Oxford Owl website (www.oxfordowl.co.uk/) to access a wealth of online books and reading resources. Oxford Owl has a large ebook library and each class has login details to access these from home.