Reading Matters

As we progress through this first half of the Autumn Term, most routines, expectations and setting of standards should be there. Last week we carried out some regular, informal assessments that staff will share with you at Parents’ Evening the week after next. This will enable us to work together and share the next steps for your child’s educational journey. Part of that is very much improving reading. As shared at the recent workshop on Independent Study, a little reading to your child, and your child reading to you, makes a huge difference. We do not need reading records nor do you have to ‘prove’ it has happened. The important point here is, it happens. Please just enjoy various books and other texts with your child and we will do the ‘teaching’ of reading at school.

We are really focusing on the quality of English here at school so that your children get the best education that we can give. Reading is currently the big focus so please do support your child and promote reading. Our immediate priorities are:

• Ensure your child enjoys a quality text in class for the last ten minutes of the day – please ask your child about the book being shared.
• Ensure quality guided reading (group sessions in class) happens every week – this may not be every child, every week but certainly should be every child at least every two weeks. This is using a book from the reading scheme in many cases, appropriate for your child.
• Word of the Day (WOTD) shared at the beginning of the day, developing vocabulary and being able to use the word in discussions and writing.

Talk to us about how this is going for your children and talk to your child too – it all helps.