Aims
At HJS, we want children to become fluent as well as develop an enjoyment of reading and we encourage them to explore a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts. The teaching of reading encompasses many forms – listening to the class teacher reading a book, reading a whole class text together, group guided reading lessons, whole class reading comprehension lessons, reading theatre (rehearsing reading aloud together) and reading one to one with the class teacher, support staff or volunteers. Children also spend time quietly reading to themselves on a daily basis. Pupils are given the opportunity to discover a range of reading material throughout the curriculum, including topic based literature and research using the internet.
Objectives
The National Curriculum states, ‘Teachers should develop pupils’ reading and writing in all subjects to support their acquisition of knowledge. Pupils should be taught to read fluently, understand extended prose (both fiction and non-fiction) and be encouraged to read for pleasure’
At HJS we strive to:
- develop a habit of reading – quiet reading time of twenty minutes is given each day.
- improve fluency – children who are not yet fluent read one to one on a regular basis with the class teacher, support staff or volunteers.
- read for pleasure – each class has a selection of books both fiction and non-fiction including our ‘Recommended Reads’, a list of recommended books, covering a range of styles. We have copies of these in each classroom which children may borrow.
- understand what they read – English lessons and sometimes guided sessions include the teaching of comprehension skills.
- even when they are fluent readers, we still encourage them to read out loud to someone at home and to engage in discussion about what they read. In years 3 and 4 and 5, all children have a reading journal in which we encourage parents and carers to comment on their reading at home. Teachers check these regularly. We expect children to read out loud to someone at home at least three times a week.
Planning and delivery
At KS2, most children have phonological awareness and basic reading skills. Whole class English lessons introduce children to a wide variety of texts. Comprehension skills are taught from the meaning of specific vocabulary to whole texts. Through careful questioning, children demonstrate their understanding orally in groups or pairs and also by recording their answers individually. In other subjects, children are given texts where they can practise the comprehension skills they have learnt. Pupils also develop further reading skills by researching a topic using books and the internet.
Recommended reading lists
For each year group we have selected a range of litereature which we think will interest the children and which will help them to boraden their reading experience. We have multiple copies of these books in each classroom and additional copies in the library. Children are encouraged to choose books from this list and review them.
Recommended Reads
Assessment
The HJS Assessment Framework sets out our expectations for each year group in Reading, Writing, Maths and Science. Visit our Assessment and Reporting page for details.
Formal reading assessments take place when pupils join our school. Class teachers also make ongoing reading assessments by using running records and reading papers. Whole class assessments are repeated at the end of the school year.
Equal opportunities and inclusion
We aim to provide a wide range of reading material that includes representation of the diversity of our local, national and global community. Children benefit from being able to relate to the characters in the books that they read. They also benefit from reading material that illustrates different cultural perspectives.
Pupils in need of support are targeted for intervention. This can be in the form of using Nessy, an online programme or learning in a small group using Rapid Reading (both dyslexia friendly schemes) to increase progress.