Reading
The development of proficiency in reading is fundamental to the Sulivan curriculum. Fostering a love of reading and ensuring high quality teaching of reading, at every stage, is at the centre of our curriculum. This is because we know that reading, and its impact on holistic literacy proficiency, is fundamental to the success of our children. It gives greater access to the whole curriculum and secures children’s knowledge and understanding. Its impact on wellbeing and confidence means that it is a cornerstone of our curriculum.
Throughout their time at Sulivan children read widely across both fiction and non-fiction texts to:
- develop their comprehension skills.
- build a broad and varied vocabulary
- to establish an appreciation and love of reading
- to gain knowledge across the curriculum
- develop knowledge of themselves and the world in which they live.
By the end of their primary education, we aim to have developed a love of reading that ensures children become lifelong learners
How we teach reading
We have a holistic approach to the teaching of reading:
- Early readers are taught using the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds phonics scheme to develop decoding alongside a love of reading.
- Children are read to each day by their class teacher. We ensure that we expose the children to a range of literature and develop their decoding and comprehension skills.
- Children who are not yet 'free readers', will work through our school reading scheme – these are levelled books which match the children's current attainment and are linked to our phonics curriculum. We expect family at home to read these books with their child each evening and make comments in their child's reading record.
- Each classroom has a reading area, which contains a selection of favourite story books, poetry and non-fiction books which are age appropriate and more challenging for children to have free choice of their reading matter.
- Reading skills are clearly outlined in an age-appropriate and progressive way following the National Curriculum for reading so that the children's reading is extended as they progress throughout school. Teaching follows this progression; however, staff decide on teaching based on children's progress. Staff will revisit or consolidate a skill where necessary.
- Reading books are sent home on a regular basis, all children are encouraged to read at home every evening; the children take home reading books that are accurately matched to their reading ability and in EYFS and KS1 children also take home a book to be shared with parents.
We believe parental engagement is a key factor in pupils’ learning. Our parents are invited to Stay and Read sessions each term, where they have the opportunity to read with their child in school and develop a love of reading together.