Our approach to English and the teaching of reading

We believe that the importance of developing reading competence cannot be overstated as it is the fundamental facilitator of much learning throughout life. Children must be encouraged to become independent, knowledgeable and reflective readers. High-quality teaching is the key factor in whether or not children learn to read.

If a child is unable to read, he/she cannot get on in life.

Developing English is at the heart of what we do at Littlemoor and that is why English is a key priority for both phases in our School Improvement Plan.

Current educational research and development underpins our improvement planning which draws on research by the Education Endowment Foundation, building on good practice taken from ‘Effective Characteristics of Literacy’ research findings and the latest Early Years research document, ‘Preparing for Literacy’.

The National Curriculum for English states that, ‘Reading widely and often opens up a treasure-house of wonder and joy for curious minds.’ Here at Littlemoor, we take the teaching of reading seriously and have the common aim of ensuring children become active, critical readers and to promote reading for enjoyment for all.

We have invested in an attractive and well-stocked library area within school and ensure that all children visit it regularly to access a range of genres and authors.

Everyone at Littlemoor values your support at home: listening to your child read and writing comments on their progress is much appreciated.

Regular reading with your child at home has a significant impact on a child’s success at school!

Our Approach to Phonics

At Askern Littlemoor Academy we use the Read Write Inc (RWI) programme to get children off to a flying start with their literacy.  RWI is a method of learning centered around letter sounds and phonics, and we use it to aid children in their reading and writing.

Reading opens the door to learning. A child who reads a lot will become a good reader.  A good reader will be able to read more challenging material.  A child who reads challenging material is a child who will learn. The more a child learns, the more he or she will want to find out.

When using RWI to read the children will:

Learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letter/letter groups using simple picture prompts

• learn to read words using Fred Talk
• read lively stories featuring words they have learned to sound out
• show that they comprehend the stories by answering questions.

Lindsey- Need to add hyperlink to these videos please.

Here is a link to a video clip which shows the programme in action and explains everything, especially ‘Fred talk’!

http://www.oup.com/oxed/primary/rwi/aboutrwi/video/

Below is further information on how you can support at home and most importantly a useful guide on how to pronounce each sound!

http://fdslive.oup.com/www.oup.com/oxed/primary/literacy/rwi/rwi_parent_faqs.pdf?region=uk

We believe that the importance of developing reading competence cannot be overstated as it is the fundamental facilitator of much learning throughout life. Children must be encouraged to become independent, knowledgeable and reflective readers. High-quality teaching is the key factor in whether or not children learn to read. The practice of teaching systematic phonics successfully should be within the competence of any committed teacher and many teaching assistants. It involves simply the intelligent application of professional skills within an ambitious well-led team.