Reading & Phonics
The teaching of phonics begins in Red Rabbits and continues for as long as each child needs. We use the Letters and Sounds scheme as well as Jolly Phonics.
At South Malling we aim for every child to develop a love of reading. This begins with the teaching of phonics in our reception class where we use the Letters and Sounds scheme as well as Jolly Phonics to engage the children in a rich variety of kinaesthetic and musical activities. The school uses a wide range of books in the teaching of reading that are banded to support growing reading ability. A blended structure of shared reading, daily guided reading and individual reading allows us to support each child’s progress.
Shared Reading
Shared reading takes place within English lessons; the teacher models the reading process to the whole class as an expert reader, providing a high level of support. Teaching objectives are pre-planned and sessions are characterised by explicit teaching of specific reading strategies, oral response and high levels of collaboration. The children join in, where appropriate, with the reading of the text. The texts selected are quality texts that reflect the teaching objectives. There will also be planned opportunities for pupils to probe understanding of texts and explain, comment and respond to them. The texts selected are rich and challenging. These include the quality core texts that link to Learning Journeys.
Guided Reading
Guided reading takes place in all classes on a daily basis. Groups of children read and respond to a challenging text with the teacher supporting the development of specific strategies that learners need and can apply during independent reading. It also provides a forum for children to demonstrate what they have learned about reading and to further develop and extend their reading and comprehension skills.
Individual Reading
Throughout the school, children have access to a range of picture books, transition chapter books and longer reads to support the development of their individual reading skills. Children start the books, which are graded by colour bands, in Reception and continue with this until they become competent, independent readers.
Reading Rewards
In Years 1 & 2 the children have the Reader Rocket Race Challenge. Each week their reading record book is checked for daily reading at home and the child can move their rocket up to a maximum of 7 places per week. When they reach No. 41 they are on the Prize Planet and received a small reward and certificate. This repeats throughout the year.
In Years 3 & 4 the expectation is that each child reads at least 25 times per calendar month. This is monitored weekly by school staff. At the end of each month the children who have reached this number or above receive a reward in the form of some extra playtime or an outdoor activity.
In Years 5 & 6 the children’s reading record bookmarks are checked weekly by school staff. The children also have the option to undertake the Book Worm challenge. These children are able to choose from a range of quality books covering different genres. Once they have read, reviewed and collected 10 stamps in their review book they receive a bookmark. There are 30 quality texts to choose from. Also the Year 5 & 6 children received a raffle ticket when they have read 6 times in a week. These raffle tickets are then drawn once a month for one child to receive a book token from a local children’s bookshop.