library

Reading

Early Reading

At Rickley Park, we use Read Write Inc. to teach phonics. Please see our “phonics” section.

Reading at Rickley Park

Intent: 

At Rickley Park, we aim to produce competent, confident readers, ready to access the demands of secondary school and beyond. We want to create readers who read both for pleasure and for education, both by teaching reading to a high standard and by modelling a love of reading for its own sake. Inclusivity and ensuring children access a wide range of characteristics through their reading, to reflect themselves and widen their horizons, is at the heart of our reading curriculum. 

Reading begins with phonics – see our phonics section where you can find out all about Read Write Inc and how to support your child.

Lessons

Once children know all their sounds and can read words confidently, they will have a reading lesson daily. This might begin in year one or two – when they are ready. We use a wide variety of texts, chosen for their high quality and making sure that all children feel represented.

Each day, children will read a section of text – fiction or non-fiction- and will be taught gradually how to understand what they have read. They will complete questions with the guidance of their teacher.

We use VIPERS to make sure different question types are covered. Vocabulary questions focus on word meaning. Inference questions help children “read between the lines” and find meaning that is not necessarily obvious – a really important skill. We also help children learn how to make sensible predictions, how to explain what has happened or why and to find simple facts – retrieval. The final letter stands for both “summarise” and “sequence” – both key skills for understanding.

Library

In addition to reading lessons, all children will visit our library once a week. We are lucky to have a fantastic and wide-ranging library to support our children. Children can borrow three books at a time. The library is arranged in order of age – just like a book shop! However, children can borrow books from younger age ranges of course, and confident readers wanting a more advanced book can check if a book is suitable for them with an adult. This protects our younger children from themes that might be upsetting or too complex.

We have a team of Year 6 Reading Ambassadors who keep the library tidy and well ordered. They are also able to help recommend books and talk to other classes about reading.

Class Read

At Rickley Park, we believe passionately in reading for its own sake – just for fun! To ensure ALL children receive a daily “story time”, our teachers read to their class for at least 15 minutes a day. Children will usually vote on the book that they want and this is a time to relax and enjoy hearing an adult read to them.  We update our book list regularly and this is a time of day both adults and children can enjoy.

Homework

As part of children’s homework, they are expected to read five times a week. For younger children reading to an adult, there will be the usual reading diary to sign. Older and more confident children are able to read to themselves. We hope this will become part of every child’s daily routine.  Reading regularly makes confident readers. We encourage ALL reading- fiction, non-fiction, magazines and websites.

How to help your child with reading – top tips for reading with your child:

  • Try to listen to your child read every day, just for a few minutes. Reading at home makes a huge difference.
  • If your child can’t read a word or makes a mistake, ask them to Fred talk - they can use their phonic knowledge.
  • Don’t worry about getting it wrong. Keeping reading regular is the main thing!
  • Try not to let your child use clues from the pictures to help them read the text as this doesn’t help reading skills.
  • Ask some questions about the story. Try some basic “what” type questions and some “why do you think?” or “how do you know?” questions for a stretch!

How else can I help my child read?

  • Visit the library – it’s free and everyone can have a library card.
  • Read to your child. This way they can enjoy books that are above their reading level and it’s a fun way to spend time with them. Obviously, before bed is often a good time but any time is great!
  • Have books in your house for your children to read independently. Often libraries sell off old stock really cheaply.
  • Let them see you reading – books, magazines, newspapers. If they see you enjoying reading, they are more likely see it as important.
  • If they are watching TV, have the subtitles on.
  • Don’t worry too much about what your child is reading, within reason. Football magazines are just as good as a book. It’s more important that your child learns to enjoy their reading time.
  • Audio books count too – even though it’s not word reading, audio books help your child follow a story, understand events and enjoy stories. You can borrow from the library too!