Learning to read and discovering the joy of books

We learn to read so that we can read to learn.

Learning to read is a right for all children and gives them a pathway to a more successful future.

At St George’s, our staff and governing body hold the teaching of reading in the highest regard. As well as the teaching of the skills needed to decode and understand books, we aim to encourage and nurture a love of reading. Reading takes us to new lands, makes us interact with new characters, helps us understand how others are feeling and gives us information we need on subjects that interest us.

Our intention is that every child rapidly develops the skills and knowledge to start reading. We see reading as the foundation to learning across all subjects and a child cannot fulfil their potential without becoming a competent reader. Additionally, we are determined that every child will enjoy books and develop a love of reading not only to secure their educational achievements but also to unlock the joy and fulfilment that reading can bring to ones life.

Early readers

Early Readers are pupils at the early stages of their journey in learning to read. Our Early Readers use phonic decoding as their reading approach, identifying the sounds in words and blending them to read the words. We track children’s progress in reading carefully and children of any age can be identified as Early Readers. Our Early Readers read books carefully matched to their phonics knowledge and are supported to rapidly gain the phonics knowledge and skills to become fluent independent readers.

Phonics

Phonics is one of our passions in the Early Years! Our sessions are one of the highlights of every school day. Children are then encouraged to continue their learning in our classroom environment using the resources matched to their stage of learning.

We use the DFE validated Little Wandle Revised programme to ensure a  swift and successful start for all of our Early Readers. Phonics is taught daily from the first week of entry into our Nursery and Reception year groups and continues through Key Stage 1. Children also enjoy three group reading practise sessions a week reading books together. Our books are carefully matched to the progression of our phonics scheme ensuring that they are fully decodable for each child. Our practise sessions are a key step in developing children as enthusiastic and independent readers.

Parents

We value our parents and the vital role you play in supporting children to learn to read and develop a lifelong love of books. We ask parents of children in Reception and Key Stage 1 to hear their child read every day alongside reading stories to your child as well. Please click the Little Wandle icon (right) to access a range of helpful resources to support you to help your child.

We aim to share information and tips regularly. If we can help or guide you further in any way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Stories

Across school we carefully plan and sequence the books we read to children in each year group. In Nursery and Reception children hear at least one story a day following our EYFS curriculum plan. Additionally, we learn and perform poetry and Talk for Writing stories daily. Promoting a love of stories and books is embedded in all we do in the Early Years and our learning environment is designed to strengthen children’s connection with stories. Practitioners all talk enthusiastically and knowledgeably about books to our children and we welcome parents into our class weekly to join us for story and poetry time.

Below are links to help you support your child with their early reading skills. 

Please ensure that your child only ever accesses these websites whilst under the full supervision of an adult with parental responsibility.

Click on the images below and have fun learning!

We have been enjoying reading traditional tales in the EYFS classroom. Can you spot a character you recognise?