Reading

Intent

At Crowthorne our curriculum ensures that children will leave school with the skills needed to thrive in the modern world. Reading helps improve vocabulary, communication, grammar and writing skills, which leads to future academic success. We intend for children to have the skills to unlock a world of independent learning.

Our greatest aim is that our children will also have a passion for reading that unlocks their imagination.

Our key aims are:

• To teach children the skills to allow them to be fluent and confident readers
• To teach accurate phonic and word patterns to enable children to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar words
• To encourage children to have the confidence to read unfamiliar words and texts independently
• To give opportunities for children to discuss their thoughts and understanding of texts with others
• To ensure that children achieve a high standard of reading by the time they leave us

Implementation

Reading is taught every day in EYFS, Key Stage 1 and 2. Sessions fit around the ages and needs of the children; they can be 1:1, small group or whole class. Reading begins in Reception with the Little Wandle phonics scheme and during Year 2 moves to our tailored reading curriculum. Whole class reading lessons begin in Year 2 and continue throughout Key Stage 2. These build on vocabulary, fluency and comprehension, developing the skills and understanding needed for successful readers. 

Our curriculum is designed around high-quality texts where children are exposed to a wide genre of fiction and non-fiction. Through diverse reading, they will become familiar with a range of authors. Reading is prioritised across the curriculum and books are often used as a stimulus for other areas of the curriculum. Daily reading time in every class is carefully planned for and prioritised in addition to reading lessons.

Teachers organise their teaching within the classroom using various strategies, including working as a whole class, paired and individual work. Teaching Assistants are used to both support and extend learning, working with pupils both individually and in small groups.

Assessment

Children move through the Little Wandle Phonics scheme of books, onto colour banded books and finally become a free reader. Teachers assess progress each time they read with children and also more formally each term. This enables teachers to plan effectively for each child and support them to make excellent progress.

Celebration

We celebrate reading through assemblies, author visits and Book Week. Children talk about the ‘mystery readers’ and catwalks during Book Week throughout the year!

At Crowthorne, Reading Ambassador role-models range from Years 1 to 6. These ambassadors help to promote reading in each class, they also run clubs and activities for their peers each term.

Impact

Children leave Crowthorne with a love of reading, which supports their academic success across the curriculum. They are confident to share and discuss books with adults and children across the school, having had experience of a diverse range of texts and authors. Our results tell us that children leave Crowthorne with a high standard of reading.

Our greatest wish is that children at Crowthorne just can’t wait to pick up a book!