We recognise reading as a key life skill and are dedicated to enabling our pupils to become lifelong readers. We have the aim that by the time children leave the Tynings, they are given the opportunity to escape into real and imaginary worlds (using rich key texts). They are able to demonstrate the skills to decode words in order to be able to read fluently with understanding of what they have read. Reading is used: to provoke thought within children; to engage with new vocabulary and to encourage a love of literature and an enjoyment of reading for pleasure.
Tynings Readers are enthusiastic and motivated and have a thirst for reading a range of genres and text types; they actively participate in discussions about what they have read.
At the Tynings, we understand that in any good curriculum, there is a focus on building strong foundations, and this is particularly key to reading.
We use a phonics first approach to learning to read the words on the page. Children in EYFS and Key Stage One have daily phonics (Reception, Y1, Y2) following the progress of sounds in the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds scheme. They are encouraged to apply their growing knowledge during their child-initiated learning and at other points of time in the day.
The percentage of children in our Y1 cohort who meet the expected pass threshold in the Year One Phonics screen is in line (2018) or above (2019) the national average. The few children who do not attain a 'pass' in the Year One phonics screening are given additional support to enable them to make rapid progress during Year Two. Where children enter Key Stage Two with a weakness in phonics, they are also given additional focused support.
All children in EYFS and Key Stage One have phonically decodable reading books matched closely to the phase they are within.
Our book stock allows children to read from books pitched at an appropriate level of demand. Once children are secure in their ability to read more demanding texts accurately and show good levels of comprehension of what they are reading, they are supported in choosing books from class and library stock. We encourage all children to read a wide range of authors and genre.
How we teach Reading at the Tynings Y2 – Y6
Reading for Pleasure
We wish to create a community of readers that share, enjoy and promote reading as a skill and desirable past time. We have introduced several initiatives to encourage and promote a ‘Reading for pleasure’ culture for both children and adults within school. All staff at the Tynings are purposefully positive about reading and share that view with children as much as possible!
Our reading areas within our classrooms are welcoming and inviting and offer a breadth of reading material.
With the help of our Year 5 Reading monitors, we have set up an outdoor library where all children are able to access a range of reading material at playtimes so that Reading for pleasure is able to continue outside of the classroom.
In our weekly newsletter, you will see book recommendations from children and staff.
We believe that every day should be a celebration of books and reading but we especially celebrate the pleasure of reading on World Book Day each year.
We celebrated our love of reading by inviting children to transform a potato into a story character; celebrated an author’s work in each class and ended the day with children returning to school for bedtime stories next to a ‘fire’ with a hot chocolate.
Enjoying a hot chocolate whilst listening to a bedtime story
Amazing collection of potato story characters – can you spot who they are?
Councillor Ian Boulton (mystery reader) reading to Year 2
Reading cafes are held once a term (see school calendar for dates) and Stay and Reads every Friday morning (8:45 – 9:10). Parents, grandparents and carers are invited into class to share reading with their child. There is a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere where reading is celebrated.
We have a dedicated team of trained Reading Rangers who volunteer at the Tynings and listen to readers on a 1:1 basis. They promote our mantra of being purposefully positive.
To encourage regular home reading (aim for five times a week), which is crucial in helping children build accuracy, fluency and a love of reading, we send home a Reading Record.
Our reading incentive means that once children have been heard 30 times, they will receive a certificate. For 50 reads, they will earn a bookmark. For 100 reads, they will be invited to choose a brand new book from Mrs Haydon’s vast collection.
Questioning is really useful when reading with your child. Please see below for the types of questions you could ask your child:
Click here to view the Oxford Owl Library Page
Click here to view the Booktrust 100 best books recommendations
Click here to view the Wordsforlife website
Click here to view the Literacytrust website
The Reading Leads at The Tynings School are Hannah Curtis, Robyn Hannan and Sophie Hudson. The governor with responsibility for English is Ros Steward. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about English at The Tynings School