Reading

Vision

We believe that reading should be fun, engaging, and meaningful. Children enjoy listening to and discussing stories, poems, and information books, helping them to expand their vocabulary and imagination. Reading for pleasure is encouraged every day through story time, guided reading, book corners, and opportunities to share books with friends and adults.

Reading also helps our children to grow as individuals. We see courage when they tackle new and unfamiliar words, resilience as they keep practising, responsibility as they look after books and read regularly, and compassion when they celebrate each other’s successes.

Curriculum 

What we are teaching... 

We encourage our children to read a wide range of vocabulary rich fiction and non-fiction texts in order to: 

• Develop their understanding and appreciation of the world around them: seeing beyond what they already know 
• Establish a love of reading: viewing it as a tool to increase happiness, grow creativity and as a form of escapism 
• Gain knowledge across the curriculum 
• Grow familiarity with a wider range of authors and genres    
• Increase comprehension skills including a deeper understanding of strategies needed before, during and after reading
• As the children journey through White Court, they will explore our House Authors: Donaldson, Jeffers, Dahl, Morpurgo, Rowling and Horowitz

How we are teaching... 

Through daily phonics teaching in EYFS and KS1, children learn to decode words accurately and develop the essential skills to become fluent readers using our phonics scheme 'Little Wandle'. As their confidence grows, they begin to read with expression and understanding, exploring a wide range of texts, from exciting stories to fascinating non-fiction.

In KS2, through our writing scheme and weekly whole class guided reading sessions, the children develop their understanding of the fundamental skills in reading: retrieve and record, inference, compare and contrast, vocabulary, prediction, explanation and summary. We also delve deeper into the texts that we look at using drama activites to improve our spoken language as well as understanding of author's intent and purpose. 

What the children have learnt... 

At our school, children learn to appreciate reading as both a source of pleasure and a powerful way to understand the world around them. We want our pupils to develop a genuine love of books - to read for enjoyment, curiosity, and discovery. As they move through the school, they first learn how to read with fluency and confidence, and then learn through reading - using texts to deepen their knowledge and widen their view of the world.

Through high-quality books and carefully planned lessons, children explore new vocabulary, learn how writers use language to engage and inspire their readers and develop the skills to discuss and respond thoughtfully to what they have read. They are encouraged to talk about books, share their ideas and answer questions both verbally and in writing using evidence, showing a growing understanding and appreciation of literature.

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Supporting your child with reading

Although your child will be taught to read at school, you can have a huge impact on their reading journey by continuing their practice at home.

There are two types of reading book that your child may bring home:

A reading practice book. This will be at the correct phonic stage for your child. They should be able to read this fluently and independently.

A sharing book.  Your child will not be able to read this on their own. This book is for you both to read and enjoy together.

Reading practice book

This book has been carefully matched to your child’s current reading level. If your child is reading it with little help, please don’t worry that it’s too easy – your child needs to develop fluency and confidence in reading.

Listen to them read the book. Remember to give them lots of praise – celebrate their success! If they can’t read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together.

Sharing book

In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The sharing book is a book they have chosen for you to enjoy together.

Please remember that you shouldn’t expect your child to read this alone. Read it to or with them. Discuss the pictures, enjoy the story, predict what might happen next, use different voices for the characters, explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun!

Little Wandle Videos

Books Coming Home

Learning Journey 

Reading Key Stage 1 Learning Journey