Reading
Reading
We are passionate about reading. Throughout the school, a love for reading is nurtured through our use of the Unlocking letters and Sounds Reading scheme, whereby high quality texts are used to develop language and writing skills, alongside reading skills. Children are provided with opportunities to develop their reading skills in directed Guided Reading and Whole Class Reading sessions, as well as using opportunities across other curriculum areas. The class texts we use to inspire learning across the curriculum are particularly special to our pupils. Our wonderful school library is visited each week by all classes for all children to take home a high quality book they have chosen and would love to enjoy.
Reading Scheme
At Witchampton First School we promote a 'phonics first' approach and in both our guided reading and whole class reading sessions at school and in the books children take home, texts are very closely matched to a child's current phonics knowledge so that every child can experience real success in their reading. In these crucial early stages of reading we primarily use books from Ransom Reading Stars Phonics to ensure complete fidelity to the Unlocking Letters and Sounds progression we follow.
Reading in Year 3 and 4 is taught through whole class reading lessons teaching specific reading skills; allowing pupils to access extracts of high quality texts and teaching all pupils to analyse the text in greater depth. Children are encouraged to develop as independent readers, discovering favourite authors amongst the well-stocked shelves across the school.
In Key Stage 2 we also use Sparx Reader to help develop strong confident reading habits through regular independent reading. The programme provides books matched to each child's reading level and checks their understanding as they read, helping to build comprehension, vocabulary and fluency.
Links - Please click to open
BBC schools - learning literacy
Literacy Trust - read with your children