Reading
Intent
Daily synthetic phonics sessions provide the children with the skills that they need to become fluent readers. Once they are more fluent and able to decode well, children are able to comprehend what they are reading more easily. This understanding allows them to access the curriculum with more enjoyment and with ease. Shared and guided reading sessions enable the children to be taught the range of skills that are required in order to be a successful and effective reader. At Rolleston, we endeavour to develop the children’s word reading and comprehension skills so that they are able to read at an age-appropriate level and access reading that is required across the curriculum. We aim for our children to foster a love of reading through access to high quality texts (that are read both by and to them). It is important that children are motivated to read at home regularly in order to increase their fluency and reading stamina, leading to a greater enjoyment of reading.
Implementation
At Rolleston the systematic teaching of phonics has a high priority throughout Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. We use the ALS programme which focuses on quality first teaching of phonics, early reading and early writing. Most of our staff have had the training to ensure consistency of message. All children in Foundation Stage, KS1 and, where necessary, KS2 have daily phonics sessions where they participate in segmenting, blending, reading and writing words and sentences. The teachers draw upon observations and assessment to ensure children are stretched and challenged and to identify children who may need additional support. Interventions are planned for the children who are working below expected levels as soon as their needs are identified.
Children take part in daily guided reading lessons where they practice and consolidate effective reading strategies. During these lessons, children’s reading is developed using high quality texts and focused skill teaching.
Children in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 are given a phonetically decodable book selected by an adult to take home which matches their current phonics level. Reading books are changed frequently. Children are also encouraged to select an additional book to share with their family at home. Children in Key Stage 2 select their own home reading book using ‘the five finger test’. This method supports our children in choosing a book within their book band that is just right for them.
Reading at home is encouraged and prompted through incentives. Teachers select a reading champion at the end of every half term to choose a book from our book vending machine. The child that is chosen would have demonstrated a love of reading and a keenness to explore a range of texts. Children have a reading record to make a log of the book or pages they have read. We expect family members to read with their child at home and write a comment in their reading record. Teachers also use the reading record as a tool for communication about their child’s reading progress.
If pupils are not reaching age-appropriate milestones in reading or are new to English (providing they have the appropriate phonetic knowledge and meet the set of specified criteria) then the school uses both the Better Read Write Partnership (BRWP) and Reading Recovery to accelerate pupil’s progress.
Impact
Through the teaching of systematic phonics, children become fluent and confident word readers by the end of KS1. As a year 6 reader, transitioning into secondary school, we aspire that children are competent, confident readers with a strong love for reading. Children will have explored a wide range of genres during their time at Rolleston and will be able to recommend books to their peers and engage in discussions about books.
These are some of the bespoke tools we use for reading at Rolleston...
Leicester Tigers Reading Project
Click on the titles underlined below to see how you can support your child's reading
Starting to Learn to Read
Starting to learn to read-Things we can do at home
Mum makes sure the television is turned off and spends time helping her son do reading activities. Dad makes reading books an enjoyable time with his son and also hears him read.
Starting to learn to read-Things we can do when we're out and about
The family use their local library so that their son can enjoy more books. Dad lets his son choose his favourite books and shares good reading habits with him. They find a place in the library where they can talk and enjoy the books they have chosen.
Starting to learn to read- Things my child's school might be doing
Time is spent learning about letters and sounds. The school uses lots of fun activities and songs to keep the young children interested. The school gives lots of rewards to encourage the children to read.
Making early progress as a reader
Making early progress as a reader-Things we can do at home
Mum creates a special time with her daughter and encourages her by taking an interest in her book. When a school friend and her dad arrives it provides a chance to play a word game. Mum supports reading as a fun thing to do with friends.
Making early progress as a reader-Things we can do when we're out and about
Mum Combines play and reading at a free local visitor's centre. Mum reads along with her daughter when she needs help but doesn't take over or criticise. There is an unexpected opportunity to help write a poem.
Making early progress as a reader- Things my child's school might be doing
The children are taught new reading skills, even when they are becoming good readers. The teacher will follow-up their main teaching with activities to help children practise reading skills. The school uses stories to teach children to become expressive readers.
Becoming a more confident reader
Becoming a more confident reader- Things we can do at home
Sending and receiving letters provides a great opportunity for reading and writing. Mum breaks down difficult words to help her daughter read them. Mum and daughter spend special times together enjoying books without being distracted.
Becoming a more confident reader- Things we can do when we're out and about
Mum uses cooking together as an enjoyable activity to share reading for a purpose. Mum gives her daughter lots of simple reading tasks when they are out shopping together. Mum is always helping her daughter to learn new words without making it a test.
Becoming a more confident reader- Things my child's school might be doing
The teacher listens to each child read and gives lots of praise. The teacher uses interesting reading books as a starting point for new activities. Children are encouraged to explore the meaning of words.
A fluent reader
A fluent reader- Things we can do at home
The whole family has fun supporting Theo's reading and writing. Because Theo enjoys reading, he is happy to receive help correcting his work. Even though he can read well, both parents still read with their son. They are able to help with some of the more difficult words.
A fluent reader-Things we can do when we're out and about
The family buys books to have around the house. They use charity shops so they don't need to spend a fortune. The family choose books together, the older children are helping the younger child.
A fluent reader- Things my child's school might be doing
The school expects high standards and will use challenging reading material. The teacher uses several activities to make the learning interesting. The school sometimes uses older readers as a role models to support younger children's reading.
Able to read, but doesn’t like reading
Able to read, but doesn't like reading- Things we can do at home
Mum knows that reading isn''t her son's favourite activity so creates a balance between reading and playing. The older brother encourages Wasim's reading through their interest in football. The family has a good mixture of books that will interest the children.
Able to read, but doesn't like reading- Things we can do when we're out and about
The family goes to places together where they can find interesting things to read. Mum takes an interest in her son's reading even if she doesn't really like dinosaurs. Mum gives her son some money to encourage him to buy his favourite book.
Able to read, but doesn't like reading- Things my child's school might be doing
The teacher guides the reading of each child and gives them personal tips for improvement. The teacher encourages children to use a dictionary to learn about words they might not understand. The school uses technology to introduce another approach to reading.
