Reading after phonics and in KS2

Once children are fluent in their phonic knowledge and are able to decode a wider variety of texts, they will be assessed and placed on the corresponding coloured book band. Children are expected to practise their reading both at school and at home and once they are showing the necessary fluency, they will be moved up to the next coloured book band. We always encourage children to also enjoy a ‘choice’ book. This may be from home, the public or school library and should be enjoyed with the adults at home (until it can be accessed independently).

The coloured book bands continue throughout school and help your child to choose and access books that are appropriate to their reading level. The banded scheme ensures children are given the opportunity to choose books of different text types as well as from a range of authors. These should be accessed alongside the children’s own ‘free reader’ choice book.

Reading lessons

We are developing our approach to teaching reading by using evidence-based research from Christopher Such. Our timetables for reading include fluency practice, extended reading and close reading. Reading lessons are taught on a whole-class basis, using quality, age-appropriate texts from a variety of authors.

As such our Reading lessons follow the following structures:

1. Fluency Read
2. Extended Read (increase reading experience)
3. Close Read (discuss texts in depth)
4. Shared reading (story time/reading for pleasure)

Every class across school teaches phonics/reading on a daily basis and enjoys a dedicated slot to read for pleasure.