Reading 

We strongly believe that reading is the key to accessing all other subjects within the curriculum. We strive to teach the children the key skills to be able to read, as well as a passion and love for books and reading. We provide an environment conducive to this by ensuring children are exposed to a rich variety of texts, opportunities to share and enjoy books and the role models they need to experience why reading is so great!  

Throughout the school year, there are events and competitions aimed at promoting the love of reading such as

• World Book Day
• Story Teller visit and workshop 
• Parent reading workshops 
• Weekly school library visits
• Librarian visits from our local Library 
• Book Fairs
• Reading Rewards

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 from our School Library

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! 

Take a look at the videos below for help with supporting your child to read at home.

https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/#tabnametabBooksComingHomehttps://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/#tabnametabBooksComingHome

How we teach 

Within our classroom reading practice sessions take place three times a week. Each reading practice session has a clear focus. The reading practice sessions have been designed to focus on three key reading skills:

• Decoding
• Prosody – reading with meaning, stress and intonation
• Comprehension – understanding the text. 

Please see our Phonics and Early Reading Policy for further information.