Why does it work?
- The systematic and lively programme is organised by an in-school manager
- The children read and write for an hour each day, grouped according to their reading level. (Two, 20-minute sessions for Reception children.)
- Children do not struggle because the work is too difficult or get bored because the work is too easy
- A few children who need extra support to maintain progress work with a reading tutor (teaching assistant) for 10 minutes in the afternoons to ensure that they do not fall behind their peers
In Nursery all children …
Learn the first 30 sounds in short daily sessions.
In Reception children learn to …
- Read storybooks and non-fiction books closely matched to their developing phonic knowledge
- Take home Phonics storybooks to share
- Read with fluency and expression
- Learn to spell using known sounds
- Write confidently by practising what they want to write out loud first
- Work well with a partner.
By the end of Year 1 all children …
Are accurate and speedy readers.
Reading
Children at St. Paul’s learn to read using the RWInc. Phonics programme during their time in Nursery through to the end of Year 1. This is supported by individual and guided reading time where children will develop both their fluency and comprehension skills further.
Year 1
As well as daily phonic sessions, individual and guided reading sessions, the children also complete reading comprehension activities weekly to develop their understanding of different text types.
Year 2
When children move into Year 2, they use the RWInc Comprehension scheme which follows a similar format to the phonic scheme used in EYFS and Year 1. This is used for the first term only after which the children continue to develop their fluency and comprehension skills in both whole class reading lessons and guided reading sessions. Individual reading, like in Reception and Year 1, continues throughout the children’s time in Year 2 and onwards.
Year 3 and 4
When the children move up to Key Stage 2, they continue to read on an individual basis and take part in Guided Reading sessions. Alongside this, whole class reading lessons take place using the Pearson Bug Club Comprehension books. These books introduce the children to a wider range of vocabulary and help them to further develop their depth of understanding of both fiction and non-fiction texts.
Reading Challenge
Every year at St. Paul’s we launch our new themed Reading Challenge. The theme for 2021/22 is based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The children collect a stamp for each day that they read at home and over the year will collect different certificates and prizes. This has proved a great way to promote reading at home where the children can continue to practise their fluency and comprehension skills.
Library
The school has its own library where there are a range of both fiction and non-fiction books that the children can choose to enhance their topic learning, general knowledge or for reading for pleasure.
