READING FOR PLEASURE

WHY?

Reading is at the heart of St Peter’s. We believe that all children deserve to be supported to become keen, capable and engaged readers. The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written language, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

Research shows that children who enjoy reading and read frequently, not only do well at school, but develop a deeper vocabulary, and broader knowledge of the world:

Teaching children to read opens a world of possibilities for them. It builds their capacity for creative and critical thinking, expands their knowledge base, and develops their ability to respond with empathy and compassion to others.

(International Literacy Association, 2018)

WHAT? (implementation)

We are here to nurture and cultivate Reading for Pleasure at school. Our job is to teach children how to read as well as to teach children to want to read.

We do this by:

Teaching children to read with confidence, fluency and understanding.
Fostering a love of reading in the classroom through exciting displays, book corners, book quizzes.
New school library which children are encouraged to visit.
Allowing time for children to quietly read on their own.
Book reviews for peers.
Book buddies; a weekly opportunity to read with a child in a different year group.
Regular author visits at school.
Book Swaps to share second hand books.
Understanding a range of text types and genres.
Close links with Henfield Library and class trips to visit the library.

Reading takes place daily across all year groups. Children may read as a class, in small groups or one to one. We use a range of picture books, both fiction and non-fiction, enabling children to access a rich variety of high-quality literature, which will encourage children to be readers for life.

Children in Key Stage 2 take part in the Accelerated Reader Program. The scheme is designed to further engage and motivate children to read. Every child is given a book within their reading level and reads at their own pace. When they have finished the book, children are invited to take a short online quiz, to check that they have understood the book. Children’s reading levels are regularly reviewed to ensure that children continued to be challenged and engaged. You can follow your child’s progress using Renaissance Home Connect. Other books can be read alongside the child’s AR book. To check which books are covered by AR go to http://www.arbookfind.co.uk.

To learn more about Accelerated Reader, listen to Mrs Hill presenting further information here.

Our Reading Skills Progression document can be viewed by clicking here

Our current Reading Newsletter can be viewed by clicking here