Reading is a very complex skill which takes children a long time to acquire. Learning to read involves many stages and skills. These include: having the attention and concentration span to focus on a book, sequencing events/stories, learning the direction we read, how to handle books, using their sounds when reading, recognising letters and sounds, understanding punctuation and sentence structure, plus developing their keyword sight vocabulary to name but a few. Sharing a school reading book is an important part of a much bigger jigsaw of learning.

In Early Years we want children to develop a love of stories, reading, songs, rhymes and poetry. All staff love books themselves and share this passion by modelling how to be enthusiastic readers. We discuss books to extend the children's spoken language and vocabulary, revisit our favourite ones and teach the children a range of comprehension skills. We learn a range of songs, rhymes and poems by heart to support the children to become expressive and fluent readers.

Our overall aim across the school is that we want all children to want to read for pleasure. Research tells us that children who read regularly do better at school when compared to children who do not. The gift of reading is a wonderful life skill we can all give to a child. We are so excited to work in partnership with you as parents, as your children begin their journey to becoming a reader. Such an exciting time for them and you! 

Please find below our Reading and Phonics Reception Meeting held at the beginning of September and some guidance to help you to support your child every step of the way.