Reading at Pakefield
At Pakefield Primary School we:
- Have a love of reading
- Know the skills needed to be a competent reader
- Are exposed to a range of texts in order to not only reflect the pupils' lives but to also open windows to a range of diverse literary experiences
- Understand fluency, including expression, volume, smoothness and pace
- Read aloud and listen to texts being read aloud daily
- Look for reading opportunities everywhere, not just in books
- Are explicit about the reason for reading
- Talk about and ask questions about their reading
- Learn and discuss new vocabulary
- Listen to recommendations and recommend books to our peers
Our five strands of Reading embody the integral elements of our reading principles at Pakefield Primary School. Our Reading curriculum is built around DERIC (decode, explain, retrieve, interpret and choice) which are developed and explored in our Reading lessons.
How do we teach Reading at Pakefield Primary School?
We use all of the following to teach reading:
- Phonics Teaching (Little Wandle)
- Exploring etymology and morphology of words
- Daily group reading sessions in Reception and Year 1
- Daily whole class reading sessions to model and focus on decoding, fluency and comprehension (small groups may be used during this time) in KS2
- Individual Reading
- Story Time (all classes every day)
- Developing fluency through paired reading.
All of the teaching is underpinned by strong Assessment for Learning and ongoing daily, weekly, monthly half termly tracking and gaps analysis.
The DERIC concepts are taught, developed and explored during daily Reading lessons across all year groups.
Reading for Pleasure
At Pakefield Primary School, we are continually developing a love of reading. Reading is more than a skill: it’s a gateway to imagination, empathy and understanding. We are committed to fostering a love for reading; encouraging children to read for enjoyment and pleasure that can last a lifetime. The love of reading is nurtured from the moment children join us in Nursery to the moment they leave us in Year 6, enabling all children to become confident and competent readers.
The school’s reading books are organised into book bands (colours) which are consistent across the school. When children are confident and competent enough, they transition to free-readers, where they are encouraged to choose a book from the school library or a book of their own, if this is suitable. Children are also always encouraged to select a text that excites them and does not limit them to a particular level of book.
Reading for Pleasure
Classes often have a whole-class text, which enables the children to immerse themselves within a book they may not usually choose. It also assists with improving general knowledge; develops richer vocabulary, along with encouraging imagination, empathy and mindfulness of others.
We believe that reading is not something that is discrete from the other subjects. Across the curriculum, children use and apply their developed reading skills to help support and enrich their learning experience. Children read to an adult on a 1:1 basis at least once a week in school; which could take the form of echo and paired reading. They are also given the opportunity to read aloud in class throughout the day. Teachers will carefully plan reading opportunities and ensure that children have access to appropriate texts that support skill and knowledge acquisition in a range of subject areas.
Our ‘Reading Expectations Document’ (below) outlines our reading format across the school, from early phonic development, to end of Year 6 comprehension.
pakefield primary school reading expectations feb 2025 new.pdf
‘Bringing Books to Life’
Alongside individual and Guided Reading at Pakefield, we provide the children with numerous opportunities to read in a fun and exciting way, developing a child’s ‘Reading for Pleasure’.
Each year we celebrate a range of books and literature – we do this through such events as ‘World Book Day’ and Reading Cafes and workshops across the year groups, inviting parents/carers to join their children in these activities.
Our school is also linked with The National Literacy Trust, which enables the children to become ‘Literacy Champions’, and for them to partake in reading-based events, as well as links with the local libraries.
For further information please visit the Little Wandle parents page
Books that come home
Supporting your child with reading
Although your child will be taught to read at school, you can have a huge impact on their reading journey by continuing their practice at home.
There are two types of reading book that your child may bring home:
A reading practice book. This will be at the correct phonic stage for your child. They should be able to read this fluently and independently.
A sharing book. Your child will not be able to read this on their own. This book is for you both to read and enjoy together.
Reading practice book
This book has been carefully matched to your child’s current reading level. If your child is reading it with little help, please don’t worry that it’s too easy – your child needs to develop fluency and confidence in reading.
Listen to them read the book. Remember to give them lots of praise – celebrate their success! If they can’t read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together.
Sharing book
In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The sharing book is a book they have chosen for you to enjoy together.
Please remember that you shouldn’t expect your child to read this alone. Read it to or with them. Discuss the pictures, enjoy the story, predict what might happen next, use different voices for the characters, explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun!
