Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics - A Guide for Parents
At our school, we use Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics to teach children how to read and write confidently. This page explains what RWI is, how it works, and how you can support your child at home.
What is Read Write Inc. Phonics?
Read Write Inc. (RWI) is a structured, systematic phonics programme developed by Ruth Miskin. It teaches children to:
- Recognise sounds
- Blend sounds to read words
- Segment sounds to spell words
- Read with fluency, accuracy, and understanding
- Develop confidence and enjoyment in reading
Children are taught in small groups according to their reading level, so teaching is closely matched to their needs.
How does RWI work in school?
1. Learning the Sounds
Children begin by learning the set 1 sounds, then move on to set 2 and set 3 sounds. They learn:
- How to say the sound
- How to form the letter correctly
- A short rhyme to help them remember it
2. Blending to Read
Children are taught to blend sounds together (e.g. c–a–t → cat) to read words. This skill is practised daily.
3. Reading Books Matched to Your Child
When your child is reading they will read books that closely match the sounds they know. This helps them to read successfully and build confidence.
Children will usually read the same book several times in school before bringing it home. This helps to develop:
- Accuracy
- Fluency
- Understanding
4. Developing Comprehension and Writing
Alongside decoding, children answer questions, retell stories, and practise spelling and writing words and sentences linked to their reading.
What books will my child bring home?
Your child will bring home:
- A RWI reading book that matches their current phonics level
- A reading for pleasure book to share and enjoy together
The RWI book should feel easy and successful for your child - this is a good thing and shows they are reading the correct level.
How can I help my child at home?
You can support your child by:
- Listening to them read their RWI book and praising their effort
- Encouraging them to say the sounds and blend if they get stuck
- Avoiding guessing from pictures - encourage sounding out instead
- Re-reading the same book to build confidence and fluency
- Sharing stories together every day and talking about them
Saying the Sounds Correctly
It is important to use pure sounds (for example, saying m not muh). Using pure sounds makes blending easier for children.
If you are unsure how to pronounce the sounds, please watch these really useful videos or speak to your child’s class teacher.
Why do we use RWI?
We use Read Write Inc. because it:
- Is proven to help children learn to read quickly
- Builds confidence and enjoyment in reading
- Supports children of all abilities
- Provides clear progression and consistency
Our aim is for every child to become a fluent, confident reader who loves books.
Need more information?
If you have any questions about Read Write Inc. Phonics or your child’s reading progress, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
You can also access support online with the following links:
Thank you for supporting your child’s reading at home.