English Reading

Our curriculum intent , implementation and impact

At Wroughton Junior School, we believe that reading offers children the opportunity to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually, and therefore, is an integral part of children's learning and our curriculum.  As children read, they have the opportunity to enter new worlds, experience new cultures, acquire knowledge, build empathy, engage in their community and much more! In our reading curriculum, we understand the importance of reading fluency and instruction but balance this with an developing an intrinsic pleasure for reading that will develop readers for life.

For more information on our reading curriculum here at Wroughton Junior School please read our subject on a page document here. 

         

Each year group follows a progression of knowledge and skills built upon the national curriculum to build reading fluency and language comprehension skills.  Click below for our  whole school or year group specific progression of knowledge and skills. 

          

                    Whole School Progression                                        Progression by Year Group 

What is reading fluency and why is it important?

Reading fluency is the ability to read words, phrases, sentences and stories accurately, with enough speed, and expression.

Accuracy: reading accuracy is the ability to read with few errors. Whole words and word endings are read accurately and the reader does not skip over words. 

Reading speed: reading speed is the rate at which the reader reads. They will be taking into account the punctuation to read smoothly at an appropriate pace.  

Expression (Prosody): As reading fluency develops, a reader will use their voice and pace according to the atmosphere created by the author. For example, a reader may use a quiet low voice spoken softly and slowly to build tension when there is danger looming. 

A fluent reading style is important because it supports a readers understanding of a text.  When a reader is struggling to read fluently,  their focus is on reading the words rather than understanding the text. Fluency needs continuous development so it can be the  bridge from reading the words to understanding the text.

Here are a few helpful reminders we use to help us develop fluency as we read.

Little Wandle Phonics

As a school, we use the Little Wandle Rapid Catch-up programnme for reading. This programme includes the rehearsal and teaching of phonic sounds as well as the development of reading fluency and comprehension.

 

An author and illustrator comes to visit...

 Tom Percival, one of our favourite authors and illustartors, came to vist us at school. He shared stories from his childhood and how these experiences shaped the stories he writes today. We saw one of his first drawings, which was not the best, and he encouraged us never to give up and work hard so that we can achieve our goals too! Thanks for the rules Tom!

We were also treated to Tom reading the first chapter of this new book. He showed us how he draws and creates charcters for his stories. We were amazed by the power of eyebrows in displaying charcter's emotions. 

Thank you to the National Literacy Trust who helped to organise the visit and also donated a book to every child in school to take home! 

Reading for Pleasure

At Wroughton Junior School, we aim to build an intrinsic pleasure for reading in its many forms.  We use the four LIST principles outlined in reading for pleasure to develop and enhance the reading environments for our children. These principles are: Learner led, Informal, Soical and Texts that tempt. 

Reading Journals

We have introduced our new reading journals across the school! These journals help chidlren to engage with their reading on a personal level and are a good conversation starter for informal book talk. To find out about the  reading journals, and how you can fill them in, please click on the pictures below for a guidance presentation. The presentation includes some fantastic examples from our children.

 Reading at Home 

For more information on supporting reading at home and a long list of fabulous reading books to engage children, please see the class pages of the school website.