Reading
Subject Leader: Mrs D Gulliver
If you would like more information about this subject, please contact the office at stoneadmin@stone.bucks.sch.uk - FAO the subject leader.
We have a rigorous approach to the teaching of reading across the school.
Intent and Implementation
reading intent implementation and impact.pdf
Phonics and Early Reading
We use Read Write Inc. Phonics which is a DfE-validated systematic synthetic phonics programme which is designed to ensure progress for every child. This is taught from the beginning of Reception.
Children learn to read sounds and blend them into words. They apply this phonic knowledge to read and comprehend story books that are carefully matched to the sounds they know. Children learn to read these books with a storyteller’s voice.
Once pupils have been assessed as being secure with their Key Stage 1 Phonics learning, they will move onto our Collins Big Cat reading scheme of books. Big Cat contains a wide range of carefully levelled books to instil a love of reading in all pupils, written and developed by award-winning authors and supported by beautiful illustrations and stunning photography. They have been levelled to match the Institute of Education book bands for guided reading. As a school, we have invested heavily to ensure we have a wide range of genres and texts available for pupils to enjoy as part of their reading learning journey. Pupils can take the time to choose which text they wish to take home to read and can change their books once per week. As they progress through the scheme, the texts become longer and more challenging and so pupils may require to have them for longer. Children progress through the book bands in line with the guidance from Collins Big Cat and through regular teacher assessment.
Frequent assessment ensures that any pupil who is falling behind is quickly identified so that targeted support can be given immediately. As children’s reading develops we encourage them to read broadly. We teach reading as a priority across all year groups including through cross-curricular reading opportunities which have planned teaching objectives. We carefully select texts and resources to inspire, engage, challenge and promote discussion.
Reading Steady Comprehension
At Stone we use Ready Steady Comprehension to teach whole class reading from Year 2 onwards. Ready Steady Comprehension is planning support for whole class Shared Reading through carefully crafted units of work. They empower teachers to teach all aspects of word reading and comprehension through high-quality fiction, non-fiction and poetry texts.
Our Reading Journey
The purpose of our Reading Journey is to outline the carefully curated Storytime map we have here at Stone School. In order to offer a diverse and enriching literary experience for our students, we have thoughtfully selected texts that they will encounter throughout each academic year. This journey is not exhaustive and the children will also hear other texts throughout the year and other subjects. Children will hear the teacher read everyday and these books are often read at the end of the day to promote pleasure for reading. These texts will often link to units of work in Geography, History or Writing.
Class libraries
All classrooms have a class library full of amazing texts to engage and excite our learners.
Children will also visit the school library once a week
Home Reading/Reading for the stars
We do promote reading at home. We do expect the children to read their home reading book with an adult at least 3 times a week but we encourage more if possible.
We want to promote a love of reading so we encourage children to read a range of text types at home and share books they love with their parent and guardians.
We also encourage parents/guardians to read to their children whenever possible as children learn alot from hearing adults read.
To promote home reading, we have a Reading for the Stars display in the hall and we acknowledge those children who have been reading at home each week.
If you would like more ideas of what to read with your child at home - this website provides recommendations for children based on age and children's interest. https://www.booksfortopics.com/ages/
