Reading

Reading

Phonics

Phonics is taught from our Nursery Class onwards using the “Read, Write Inc.” programme. This is a synthetic phonics programme that develops children from non-readers into confident readers in a fun and fast paced style. It also links reading into writing so that children are able to make links between how what they have read can influence what they will write.

In Autumn term we held workshops for Reception and Key Stage 1 parents to learn more about the programme and have the opportunity to talk with Mrs. Murray, our reading lead, about supporting their child at home.

Further advice about how you can support your child with phonics at home is available from our Foundation Stage and Key Stage One staff.

Accelerated Reader

Children in Key Stage Two take part in the Accelerated Reader programme, which helps us to manage and monitor children's independent reading practice. After completing a 'Star Reading' test, pupils are given a ZPD (zone of proximal development). Each child picks a book within their own ZPD level and reads and enjoys it at their own pace. When finished, the child takes a short quiz on the computer. Passing the quiz is an indication that the child has understood what they have read. Accelerated Reader gives children and teaching staff feedback based on the quiz results, which are then used to help the child set goals and direct on-going reading practice.

As they read, children are taught to make appropriate notes in their Reading Journal, e.g. chapter summaries, character notes, etc. which will support them when carrying out their quiz. If children do not pass the quiz, teaching staff will support them by:

helping the child to choose another book that is more appropriate

ask more probing questions as the child reads and before they take a quiz

pair the child with another student, or even read the book to them.

Every week, teachers review student progress during focused class sessions.

Celebrating in Style with Star Books!

When children quiz on a book they have read, they achieve a score which indicates how much they have understood the book. Each time a child scores 100%, they get their Reward Card stamped. Once they have filled their reward card with 10 stamps they are invited to Star Books Cafe!

In Star Books Cafe, children are served tasty hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows and they munch on cookies whilst they enjoy a special 'reading for pleasure' session. Children love to get comfortable and read a book of their choice and often use the time to make book recommendations for each other.

Book Swap Baskets

We realise that once you have developed an appetite for reading, it can be quite expensive to constantly buy new books to read. At Lander Road we have though carefully about this and we have come up with the idea of having 'Book Swap Baskets' around the school.

In each classroom, we have a basket of books which the children can access and swap books for a book that they have finished with at home. This is an excellent way of recycling books, saving money and encouraging book recommendations amongst the children.

We don't want the adults to miss out, and so staff also have a Book Swap Basket in the staffroom!

Even families can join in and there is a Book Swap Basket now located in the main reception area of the school. Please feel free to contribute to this and enjoy reading a new book for free!

Our School Libraries

The children, staff and governors worked together to develop ideas for two attractive and exciting reading areas and we are all delighted with the results! Whitespace Consultants, the company who helped us to design and construct the libraries, said, 'We are extremely proud to be part of this exceptional school, helping them to provide a positive climate for learning.'

We were thrilled to welcome Jamie Carragher to officially open our libraries!

Jamie Carragher, retired Liverpool and England footballer and local hero, was born and raised in Bootle. He spoke to the children and staff in assembly about the importance of reading and how he himself reads for pleasure. Jamie read his favourite story aloud and listened as the children sang beautifully for him. It was fantastic to hear one of our local heroes talk so passionately about reading and how important it is to help you succeed.