Reading
At Thorntree, reading plays a large part of everything the children do. We use various reading schemes, phonics sessions, daily reading sessions, storytimes, authentic materials, extra support where needed and access to our well-stocked Library for Years 2 to 6. Here is a more detailed breakdown of what reading happens in the different year groups.
EYFS – Nursery and Reception
- Book corners in inside and outside areas
- Free access during sessions to book areas
- Range of ‘topic’ stories available in book corner
- Daily whole class Power of Reading/Talk for Writing story session
- Phase 1 phonics session – focusing on sounds
Reception
- Daily phonics session in line with Letters and Sounds phonics programme
- End of day story time
- Every child reads to Teacher/EYP once a week
- Children identified as needing extra support read to an adult more frequently
- Reading books are sent home daily for children to read to parents
- Children signposted to Oxford Owl to read e-books
Key Stage One – Year One
- Daily phonics session in line with Letters and Sounds phonics programme
- End of day story time
- Every child reads to Teacher/LSA once a week
- Children identified as needing extra support read to an adult more frequently
- Reading books are sent home daily for children to read to parents
- Children signposted to Oxford Owl to read e-books
- Daily whole class reading lesson with activities focusing on a chosen text
Year Two
- Daily phonics/spelling session
- End of day story time, incorporating chapter books
- Every child reads to Teacher/LSA once a week
- Children identified as needing extra support read to an adult more frequently
- Reading books are sent home daily for children to read to parents
- Children signposted to Oxford Owl to read e-books
- Daily whole class reading lesson with activities focusing on a chosen text
- Introduction of reading comprehension
Key Stage Two – Year Three
- Children identified as needing extra support read to an adult more frequently
- Daily phonics session for targeted individuals who require it
- Reading books are sent home daily for children to read to parents
Key Stage Two – Year 3, 4, 5 and 6
- Children identified as needing extra support read with an adult more frequently.
- Whole class reading lesson (comprehension) takes place four days a week. Format followed:
Monday – introduction and ‘read aloud’
Tuesday – explore vocabulary
Wednesday – answer a set of comprehension questions
Thursday – go over answers and finish with an evaluation
- End of the day/during the day story time where the class book is read aloud by the adult.
- Children borrow books from the library fortnightly to read at home.
- Each child has a reading record book which is completed in and out of school regularly.
- Quiet/independent reading time every day for at least 15 minutes (free choice of book).
- Open access to class book corners to borrow books, magazines, newspapers etc.
Here is a document containing very good tips about supporting and encouraging your child with their reading at home:
