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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the programme last? Read Write Inc. lasts two years for most children, if they start to learn to read in the Reception class. There are some children with learning difficulties who spend longer on the programme.   Is this a synthetic phonic programme? Although Read Write Inc. is a fully integrated reading and writing programme, the structure is firmly based in synthetic phonics. Synthetic phonics is simply the ability to convert a letter or letter group into sounds that are then blended together into a word. These words are embedded in lovely stories so children can read books independently.   How long does the programme last? Read Write Inc. lasts two years for most children, if they start to learn to read in the Reception class. There are some children with learning difficulties who spend longer on the programme.   How much time is needed each day? Children work for about one hour a day in groups of 8 to 20 (depending upon age and ability).   How are children grouped? All children are assessed at the beginning of the programme.   They are placed into groups of 8 to 20, depending upon their reading ability.   It is helpful if children are grouped across years to make best use of teaching staff.   Who teaches the Read Write Inc. programme? To allow the groups to be kept reasonably small, both teachers and confident teaching assistants teach the Read Write Inc. programme.   What happens if a child makes very slow progress? There will be a few children who need extra support to maintain progress. These children work with a reading tutor (teaching assistant) for 10 minutes in the afternoons to ensure that they do not fall behind their peers.   Children practise the same work as they were taught in the morning session.   How much preparation is needed? Teachers have their own manual that gives day-by-day detailed and explicit direction. Time is spent thinking about how to teach and not what to teach. Very little planning and preparation is needed. Children have their own expendable work books.   How is the programme implemented? In order for the programme to be successful, the roles of the headteacher, in-school manager and supporting teachers are key: The role of the headteacher The programme will not work to its full effect without the commitment and support of the headteacher. It is hoped that the headteacher will give full support to the programme by attending the initial training, supporting the in-school manager in his/her role and providing cover for the in-school manager to fulfil his/her role. The role of the in-school manager The programme manager is a senior member of staff, most likely the English coordinator, and is responsible for: supporting teachers in the implementation of the programmes training RML reading tutors informing families of the RML programme and the role they can play spotting children who have poor attendance rates and contacting the school attendance officer ensuring that any child falling behind the programme receives 10 minutes a day extra tutoring checking that children making very quick progress are fast tracked through the programme diagnosing a problem when the reading teacher cannot find out why a child is making insufficient progress The role of teachers Teachers are responsible for: teaching the programme rigorously keeping assessments up to date and using this information to inform their teaching encouraging high attendance What if a child's attendance is poor? The lessons are intensive and cumulative so poor attendance will disrupt a child's progress.   What training is required for teachers? Teachers receive two days training. Visit www.RuthMiskinLiteracy.com for more details.   What follow-up support is given after training? Teachers are supported for at least two days to ensure that the programme is implemented effectively. Further support days can be arranged.   Schools tell us that these visits are essential. We model lessons, check that teachers understand the programme, check the homogeneity of groups and assess children with learning difficulties. When teachers feel confident we will also observe lessons (only if they don't mind being watched!). Visit www.RuthMiskinLiteracy.com for more details.   Can we buy the books and materials without training? Yes you can buy the books and materials without training, however we advise that training is undertaken. No support can be given to a school that has not been trained. If, however, you would like to buy a set of books to teach an individual child to read, please read the manual very carefully before you start!

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