Reading

“Our goal is to foster such a love for reading in our children that they secretly read under the duvet after lights out…” 

The programmes of study for reading at Key Stages 1 and 2 consist of two dimensions:

• word reading

• comprehension (both listening and reading)

Phonics at St Stephen's

Little Wandle Letters and Sounds - our systematic and synthetic phonics programme

In the Early Years and Key Stage 1 at St Stephen’s, phonics is taught daily to all children in Reception and Key Stage One.  We teach reading through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, which is a systematic and synthetic phonics programme. We start teaching phonics in Reception and follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised progression, which ensures children build on their growing knowledge of the alphabetic code, mastering phonics to read and spell as they move through school.

Please click here to see our Phonics and Early Reading Policy.

To support your child's reading journey at home, please explore the Little Wandle Parent Resources, which include helpful videos on correct sound pronunciation.

Reading at home

Reading at home is a vital part of the learning process for all children. All children will take home 2 books each week:

1. A reading practice book - carefully matched to your child’s current reading level. If your child is reading it with little help, please don’t worry that it’s too easy - your child needs to develop fluency and confidence in reading.

2. Sharing Book - In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The sharing book is a book they have chosen from our library for you to enjoy together. Please remember that you shouldn’t expect your child to read this alone. Read it to them or with them. Discuss the pictures, enjoy the story, predict what might happen next, use different voices for the characters, explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun!

Alongside developing a strong base in phonics, children are taught to read through various means at St Stephens:

Guided Reading - (R-Y2) These are small-group teacher-led sessions where children share the same book, appropriate to their reading level. During this time, children are taught the deeper skills of reading and comprehension..  They engage in discussion with their peers, share thoughts and ideas, undoubtedly promoting reading for pleasure.  Their skills are continually assessed and work towards personalised targets.

Modelled Reading/shared reading: this occurs when teachers read aloud to children, demonstrating fluency and expression and sharing enjoyment of and interest in the text. Often takes place in subjects other than English. Teachers verbalise the complex process of thought which happens when reading, which a fluent reader takes for granted. 

Core Texts: we carefully choose and plan high quality texts (both visual and digital) core texts as a basis for our English units, linked to a topic, where possible. Details of these core texts can be found in our downloadable Curriculum Overviews

Independent Reading: the focus of independent reading is students taking charge of their own reading – they choose their own texts, read silently and take responsibility to work through any challenges presented by the text. Independent Reading for readers who are unable to accurately read the print is still possible. It could take the form of looking at the pictures and ‘telling the story’ or sitting with a partner and sharing a text.  Independent reading also allows a child to effectively build reading stamina, so they are able to access lengthier passages of text. All classes have book corners to provide a calm space for choosing books. We use a program called Accelerated Reader to support children in choosing ability-appropriate texts. 

Accelerated Reader (AR): AR is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice from Year 2-6. Each child picks a book at his/her own level and reads it at his/her own pace. When finished, each child takes a short quiz on the computer (at home or school) - passing the quiz is an indication that your child has understood what has been read. AR gives both children and teachers feedback based on the quiz results which the teacher then uses to help the child set targets and ongoing reading practice.

Love of Reading: developing a love of reading is at the core of our English curriculum.  All classes have their own book corners where children can choose books at their leisure. 

• Library we have a well-resourced library, which all classes visit at least once a week. 

• Sora and Collins Big Cat ebooks - all children have an e-book login, with which they can access hundreds of engaging books at their reading level.

• We even have a ‘Reading Shed’ in the playground, so children have a quiet space to read at lunchtime. 

World Book Day: Each year, we take part in World Book Day in March, which is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate books in a fun way – we often have authors and storytellers visit us at school around this event.

Raising Readers: Watch our recent parent presentation on the vital role reading plays in your child’s development and practical tips for fostering a lifelong love of books.