English

Reading

‘Reading for pleasure is the single most important indicator of a child’s success.’ (OECD 2002). Therefore, at Hyde Heath, we strive to give pupils a stimulating environment, where we can develop a culture that encourages a desire and love for reading. We aim to provide a range of diverse and stimulating texts that all pupils can access. Enjoyment of reading is crucial in developing children’s reading habits. We encourage children to explore and discuss a wide range of books by different authors through reading corners in each classroom, weekly library visits, regular story times and opportunities for shared group or paired reading and discussions. We aim to be a school that confidently meets the ‘Every Child a Reader’ standard year on year.

In EYFS and KS1 we teach reading skills through the use of Twinkl Phonics Programme, which is a systematic and synthetic programme. This scheme ensures children build on their knowledge of the alphabetic code, mastering phonics to read and spell as they move through the school. Regular assessments monitor progress and any child that needs additional practise has daily interventions. 

 'Reading mileage' Research has found that early readers need to read about 600 to 1000 words a week to become competent readers! Every effort is made at Hyde Heath to ensure that our children gain ‘reading mileage’. This means ensuring that the children have the opportunity to read wherever possible.

· Individual Reading (1:1 with an adult at school)

 · Shared Reading (class texts) using techniques such as: choral reading, repeated reading, copy reading, and echo reading to build enjoyment of books and reading fluency.

· Guided Reading lessons (timetabled lessons)

· Reading across the curriculum (topic books etc.)

 · Independent Reading (reading at school and at home)

· Use of library 

· Peer reading opportunities

The impact of how we teach our children to become readers is demonstrated through standards in National Testing: EYFS Reading, Year 1 Phonics Screening, KS1 Reading Attainment and internal termly tracking. We use Big Cat Reading Assessment tools to assess children’s book band levels and Rising Stars (in KS1, half termly) to assess Age Related Expectations in reading and comprehension. This helps us identify where support is needed and how to further support all children’s reading progress. Impact is also shown through how our children utilise our school library, how our children talk with passion and knowledge of book. read books to enhance their knowledge and understanding of all subjects on the curriculum, and communicate their research to a wider audience.

Speaking, Listening and Writing  

A child’s ability to read, write and express themselves clearly and with a rich and complex vocabulary is of paramount importance. We aim for every child to be an enthusiastic and confident writer, able to communicate using the written word for the wide range of purposes required for everyday life. In supporting our children to become Writers they are given the tools to write neatly; decode and spell words; develop a wide vocabulary and write for a range of purposes

Early writing is taught through early mark making, then when the children begin Twinkl Phonics, they are taught the correct letter formations. This begins with writing (whether with a writing tool or in the air) CVC words, moving onto short sentences using the sounds they have been taught. EYFS children are encouraged to write independently during child initiated time. We use the same phonics program across the school providing continuity and a vehicle for guaranteed progression. Phonics sessions take place daily. Teaching is very precise and tailored to the needs of each child.

Strong speaking and listening skills are a stepping stone to being able to write clearly, accurately and coherently, in a range of contexts, purposes and for different audiences. Therefor children will have many opportunities to develop speaking and listening skills, using drama, role play, music, learning nursery rhymes and poems by heart, to further their vocabulary and spoken language.  One strategy we use to support writing development is Talk for Writing. Talk for Writing is an engaging teaching framework developed by Pie Corbett, supported by Julia Strong. It is powerful because it is based on the principles of how children learn. It enables children to imitate the language they need for a particular topic orally, before reading and analysing it, and then writing their own version. Over the course of the year, children will have the opportunity to use a range of discussion and performance opportunities so they can refine their ability to be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas. Children will have access to quality children’s literature to stimulate their ideas and extend their grammar and vocabulary. As all aspects of English are an integral part of the curriculum pupils will have writing opportunities across the curriculum where they will be able to implement the writing skills developed in English lessons, adapting their language and style for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.

We hope that as children move on from Hyde Heath Infant School to further their education and learning, that their creativity, passion for English and high aspirations travel with them and continue to grow and develop as they do.

Supporting reading at home

An enjoyment of reading is so important to support children's learning and development.

Sharing books, stories, rhymes allows children to develop a love of reading for pleasure.

Use the links below to find books and stories that your child may enjoy for their age.