Reading is developed using a combination of strategies The Read Write Inc a synthetic phonics programme, is used and this incorporates reading, writing and spelling.
The Letters and Sounds programme is also used to enhance phonics knowledge as well as Action Words for the development of sight vocabulary.
The Action Word programme encourages children to use phonic knowledge and sight vocabulary to aid reading development. This approach appeals to all types of learners (kinaesthetic, auditory and visual).
A phonics-based approach to reading concentrates on teaching children the relationships between written letters and spoken sounds.
Children learn that words are made up of sounds (phonemes) and that there is a direct link between written words and spoken words. This is called phonemic awareness, and it is one of the most important early reading skills.
In the EYFS and throughout Key Stage 1 and into Stage 2 for those pupils requiring it, one or more reading schemes are used to help teach children to read. (Oxford Reading Tree and Ginn as well as Rigby Reading books for group reading.
A reading scheme is a collection of lots of books that are finely graded to support children’s gradual learning. The books are often specially written to teach particular words or reading skills. The careful structure of most reading schemes encourages children’s progress towards reading independence.
Other reading strategies that are used in school include :
- Shared Reading – this is teacher lead and involves the teacher sharing texts or teacher and class reading together
- Guided Reading-this involves the teacher, or sometimes a teaching assistant, working with a smaller group of about six children and allows for differentiation of ability groups
- One-to-One reading
- Independent reading
- Library Time
- Reading for enjoyment- free choice reading
- Read -to- me- therapy dog for reluctant readers
A rigorous assessment programme is used to ensure children are making at expected or better progress and
differentiated groupings are adapted to meet the needs of each individual child. At the end of Year 1 a statutory Phonic Screening test is administered to Year 1 pupils and any Year 2 child who didn’t meet the required standard in the previous year.
