Reading
At Cheam Common Infants’ reading is a golden thread that weaves through our curriculum. This puts reading at the heart of our curriculum and shows the importance and value of learning to read through stimulating texts that represent children’s interests as well as those that are topic related. These texts allow children to meaningfully engage, share preferences, make personal connections and ask questions.
We are committed to providing opportunities for all pupils to gain an enjoyment of reading and achieve the key early reading and comprehension skills needed to become a proficient reader and to ensure that these skills are transferred to all aspects of life and learning. We endeavour to ensure that our children develop a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards reading that will stay with them forever.
Children have frequent, regular and sustained opportunities to read and to talk together about the books that they are reading individually, in small groups and as a whole class. This helps the children to reach a shared understanding and build on their cultural literacy. We plan opportunities for all children to extend their vocabulary through a range of genres and subject related texts to consolidate their understanding.
We recognise the importance that rhythm and rhyme have in the development of children’s early literacy skills. From Nursery to Year 2 the children have opportunities to explore, learn and perform poems on a weekly basis.
Our children can consolidate and apply their phonics knowledge at home through reading a range of books. These include books that closely match their phonics ability and link to the phonics taught during the week, library books to share with their families and a reading scheme book to develop comprehension skills.
We believe that children should develop a love for reading which will inspire them to read for purpose and pleasure. This is supported by our school environment which excites and enthuses children to read throughout the day.
Reading With Your Child
- If possible, find a quiet place away from other interruptions.
- Be a role model and handle books carefully
- Spend a few minutes discussing the blurb and front cover of the book – what do you think this book is about?
- Help and support your child to decode an unknown word (sound it out) rather than telling them the word straight away. Give them time to do this.
- If your child is still struggling then take over the reading yourself but let the class teacher know.
- Ask your child questions to check their understanding of the text. For example, why do you think that the character said that? Which words show you that the character was feeling angry? What do you think will happen next? What was the character thinking when this happened?
- Discuss whether you both liked the book and why.
- Remain positive and encouraging, giving lots of praise.
- Feel free to read other books with your child as well. Joining the local library will allow you access to a wide range of books for free.
LEO Virtual Library
Visit the LEO Academy Trust Virtual Library and enjoy reading or listening to a story from the selection of Children’s books. There’s something for everyone from Nursery through to Year 6.
