Reading

At Elstow School, a child’s reading journey starts on day one. We are proud to be a Sounds Write school and we encourage reading for pleasure.

Children read from phonetically decodable books appropriate to their level. This reading offer is enhanced by well stocked class libraries that children can also take home to enjoy. Children are encouraged to share their opinions by recommending books to their peers.

We prioritise reading across all aspects of the curriculum. By promoting text-rich teaching, we equip students to read fluently and comprehend texts relevant to every subject. Fluent readers who can independently comprehend a wide range of texts are prepared for success in their future learning.

Teachers support pupils to read texts for meaning by providing them with questions, discussion topics and tasks that explore their understanding and response to texts. These ‘active’ reading habits that will equip pupils to independently tackle challenging texts later in life.

Children’s reading ability determines how much they read. As teachers -

we are committed to delivering high quality reading provision; if we can improve the teaching of reading, then we are likely to increase how much our students read for pleasure and engage in learning.

Phonics

Our work on reading in the classroom is fully supported through the teaching of phonics and effective literacy development strategies, including whole class and independent reading for pleasure built into the timetable every day as well as use of an inclusive, well-stocked book corner in each classroom.