Reading Leader - Ms Morgan & Ms Pattenden

Our Approach to Reading

Early Years Foundation Stage / Key Stage 1

Children first learn their letter sounds and names then apply these to word building. We use Read Write Inc as the basis for our teaching of phonics. This is a recognised systematic synthetic phonic scheme (SSP). The children will also learn a variety of other key words by sight.

Children read individually, in small groups and as a whole class. A variety of different genres are chosen at an appropriate level of ability for each group of children. As well as being able to read the text, children are encouraged to discuss the content of the book, and their opinions about people, places and events are sought. The more able readers will be asked about the varied themes of different texts.

Children are also taught essential skills from Nursery through Talk 4 Reading.

EYFS / Key Stage 1 Reading Events

Termly 'Big Breakfast Read' events are held at the school. where parents have the opportunity to come into school with their child and read with them.  They also listen to the teacher modelling a reading session with the children so they can develop their understanding of questioning and book talk. All attendees are served with complimentary tea or coffee and a freshly baked croissant.

From Year 1, children are encouraged to read at home every day. If they do this each week, they are entered into a raffle which is drawn each half term.  The winner is able to choose a book from the library as a prize.

Key Stage 2

Through independent reading, shared reading in English lessons, cross-curricular sessions,  and reading for pleasure, reading in Key Stage 2 develops and extends the skills acquired in Key Stage 1. Talk 4 Reading is used to teach essential reading skills from Year 3 to Year 5.

Children explore a wide variety of genres, both fiction and non-fiction, which allow them to access, input ideas and understand what they are reading. They are given opportunities to speculate on the tone and purpose of texts they explore as well as to consider both the themes and audience.

We assess children's progress with reading comprehension and monitor their reading ages via an interactive online platform called Accelerated Reader (AR). It helps us to guide children to books that are pitched at their individual reading levels (ZPD). Children take short quizzes after reading a book to check if they have understood it.  The children undertake half termly Star Reading Quizzes.  The outcomes are used by teachers in order to set targets for reading development. 

Click here for a parents guide to Accelerated Reader.

Links will be available shortly for some suggested books lists for children.

Key Stage 2 Reading Events

Our termly 'Big Breakfast Read' is always popular with our Key Stage 2 children and their families! This is a great initiative that allows the children to demonstrate their reading prowess within an informal setting. All attendees are served with complimentary tea or coffee and a freshly baked croissant.

Children in Key Stage 2 are expected to read everyday at home. If they do this, they are entered into a raffle which is drawn each half term.  The winner is able to choose a book from the library as a prize.

What do pupils at St Michael's like to read

Click on the above link to listen to Ms Morgan and some of our pupils talking to The British Forces Broadcasting Service Radio Station