What is the purpose for teaching Reading?
Reading lies at the heart of the English curriculum at Eastfield and we endeavour to foster a lifelong love of the written word and English language. The National Curriculum English objectives are delivered through a bespoke, carefully planned and sequenced progression of high – quality texts and written genres. By the time pupils leave us at the end of Key Sage 2, pupils have received purposeful exposure to high quality texts, which include picture books, classics and a variety of poetry. Our genre studies are carefully crafted to ensure children are equipped with the necessary skills to be confident and competent readers, who can express their thoughts and ideas clearly and creatively through written work. Additionally, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on promoting a love of books and reading for pleasure. The English skills of reading, writing and oracy are also intertwined into the wider curriculum. At Eastfield, we take every opportunity possible to enhance the cultural capital of our learners and equip them with the knowledge and experiences needed in the wider world. Texts are chosen to introduce children to cultural diversities, develop empathy and promote curiosity. We spend time learning about a different modern or classic author each term. Pupil led learning generously provides opportunities for children to apply their skills through activities such as scientific enquiries, debates, speeches, presentations and creative outcomes.
How is Reading taught?
The foundations of reading begin in Preschool. Preschool follows Little Wandle’s Foundations for Phonics, this sets out the provision that should be in place to ensure children are well prepared to begin grapheme–phoneme correspondence and blending at the start of Reception. Children in Reception and Year One then follow the Little Wandle progression. They also have three Reading practise sessions a week that focus on decoding, prosody and comprehension. Please see the Phonics page for more information.
Children in Year 2 continue with Little Wandle in the first part of the Autumn term, where they revisit phase 5 learning. Once learning is secure, they then progress onto the Little Wandle Spelling units. These follow the familiar structure of Little Wandle phonics lessons, supporting children to make links to their phonics learning. Little Wandle Spelling teaches children to consider etymology, morphology and grammar when spelling new words. The programme provides full coverage of National Curriculum spelling requirements.
Year 2 onwards are taught reading through English lessons and whole class guided reading sessions. Whole class reading sessions are carefully planned and questioning is used to assess and extend children’s learning. Whole class reading sessions expose children to a wide range of novels and extracts from a range of genres which aim to challenge their thinking and develop their vocabulary, inference, prediction, explanation, retrieval and summarising skills.
Reading at home
In KS1, children will receive a phonics book matched closely to their phonics ability. This book should be read to 95% fluency. These books are sorted into the phonics phases: Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4 and Phase 5. Children from Reception to Year 2 will also receive an eBook on Little Wandle’s eBook library.
As children secure their early reading knowledge and skills, they will move on to reading bands designed by PM Benchmark, with colour bands ranging from Turquoise – Brown. Each child is assessed through the PM benchmarking reading assessment resource before progressing to the next level. Children are provided with the opportunity to change their books on a weekly basis in school.
Children across the school are also provided with the opportunity to visit the school library, where they can take an additional book home to share.
