7 Sandy’s Row | London | E1 7HW | 01275 331 230 | ruthmiskin.comRuth Miskin Literacy Limited, registered in the United Kingdom, Company No. 05660104. Registered Office: 7 Sandy’s Row, London, E1 7HW

Preparing to teach reading using the Read Write Inc. Phonics frieze • The Read Write Inc. Phonics frieze shows pictures in the

shape of every letter. These are called mnemonics. • We help children create an association between the

sound, the shape of the letter and the picture. For example, ‘m’ looks like two mountains and ‘a’ looks like an apple.

Display the frieze • Display a copy of the frieze at children’s eye level. • This should be the only alphabet frieze on display. • Refer to the frieze throughout the day. Help children to name the pictures 1. Start with m. Explain that the little girl is called Maisie and she is next to some

mountains. 2. Say ‘mountain’ and point to the picture. Ask children to repeat - ‘My-turn-your-turn’

(MT/YT). Repeat for a few new pictures every day and review the pictures taught so far. Challenge children to name the pictures without help 1. Ask children to name the pictures as you point to them. 2. Return to steps above if they cannot name the picture. Show children how the pictures are connected to the sounds • Watch our ‘sound pronunciation guide’ that can be found on the Schools Portal. • Check which sounds should be bounced (a-a-a-a) and which stretched (mmmm) in our

Speed Sounds Lessons Plans Handbook. 1. Explain that each picture represents a special sound and that you will help the children to

hear and say these. 2. Start with m. Check the children can name the picture - mountain. 3. Run your finger down Maisie and then over the mountains, saying mmm. Say mountain

as you touch the end of the second mountain. Ask children to repeat mmmm, mountain - MT/YT.

Note: Children should not trace the shape of the letter in the air. Repeat for a few new sounds every day. Speed Sounds lessons • Once children are confident with the steps above, you may wish to begin more formal

Speed Sounds lessons. • Detailed lesson plans can be found in the Speed Sounds Lesson Plans Handbook.