Reading At Wylam First School

At Wylam First School we are passionate about reading. Reading is a vital skill that supports childrenā€™s learning across the whole curriculum. We want children in our school to become enthusiastic, independent and reflective readers. We want our children to enjoy reading and to use the skill to become independent learning citizens in our society.

In our school, we strive to give pupils a stimulating and engaging curriculum and learning environment, where reading materials are presented in an attractive and inviting way. Furthermore, within reading lessons we create an environment that stimulates the generation of ideas from texts where all ideas are accepted and valued. Teachers will act as role models in their enthusiasm for both reading and writing by keeping up to date with current childrenā€™s literature.

Our reading curriculum features texts from Pie Corbett’s recommended reading spine, books that support understanding of a diverse society and a range of classic and modern texts and poetry.

Reading in Early Years

Reading is a high priority within Early Years and underpins everything we do. This includes making sure topics taught are built around a wide selection of books linked to childrenā€™s interests. In Reception, children are taught the technical skills of reading through systematic sythetic phonics lessons following Little Wandle- Letters and Sounds revised. Children are also taught how to talk about books through whole class Guided Reading. Books chosen for Guided Reading sessions are carefully selected to extend our childrenā€™s learning experiences and interests as well as to provide them with opportunities to deepen their cultural capital.

Reading in Key Stages 1 and 2

Children in Years 1-4 continue to be supported with developing their phonic knowledge through Little Wandle, reading fluency, accuracy and stamina as well as the progression of comprehension skills. This is achieved through both group and whole-class reading sessions and reading for pleasure. In key stage 2, children continue to build on their prior knowledge of phonics by exploring complex vocabulary, etymology, morphology and patterns in language.

Long Term Plan

Literacy Long Term Plan 2022-2023.pdf

Useful links

Phonics- Little Wandle- Parents Page
Little Wandle books- Collins E-Books- Log in page
Phonics- Little Wandle- Parents Presentation.pdf
HandwritingPolicy.pdf