We use the principles of Scarborough’s reading rope to teach reading: we know that word recognition and language comprehension are both essential for children to become fluent readers.

Phonics

The Phonics Programme

At Stretton CE Academy, we use the Read, Write, Inc the DFE approved programme. Phonics is taught daily and the books that children take home match the phonics they are taught- the children take home a blending book and as they move through the RWI colours and they take home corresponding Book Bag books. In addition to this, all children have a reading for pleasure book. 

The Structure of RWI

Our phonics lessons follow the Read, Write Inc teaching sequence. Children are grouped based on their phonological understanding.  The structure of a session depends on the stage they are working at. Children begin by learning the set 1 sounds and how to blend these into sounds orally.  Once they can do this, they begin to follow the short ditty stories lesson structure and then progress through the programme.

Whole class reading

All children at Stretton enjoy books as a whole class via daily story telling sessions. The purpose of these whole class sessions is to:

• promote an enjoyment of, and love for, reading
• provide an opportunity for high quality teacher modelling, questioning and predicting
• expose the children to a range of age-appropriate stories
• provide an opportunity for the children to read aloud as a class

Across the school, children will listen to a core set of stories taken from a range of genres which will enable them to experience a variety of stories by significant children’s authors throughout their time at Stretton. 

In addition, children in Years 2 to 6 experience daily whole class reading lessons. Each class has a series of carefully chosen age-appropriate texts.  Where appropriate, books complement the History or Geography curriculum. 

What will you see in a reading lesson?

Whole Class Reading

• Each class will complete at least one book a term

• Vocabulary check – an opportunity to investigate and activate unfamiliar words using metacognitive skills

• Teacher modelling to promote enjoyment of reading, use of grammar and punctuation to aid reading, making predictions and links throughout a text as well as modelled metacognitive skills

• Paired reading and rehearsal of metacognitive skills
• Modelled or independent recording of answers to questions linked to the assessment foci.

Independent reading

• All children at Stretton have their own reading book which they can take home. 

• Children in Years R, 1 and 2 will have independent reading books linked to their level of phonological understanding.  They will also choose a library book each week to share at home.   
• In Years 3 to 6, children have reading books linked to their Accelerated Reader ZPD.  This is determined by a half-termly assessment.  In addition, they will have a book to read for pleasure chosen from class book corners, the class ‘Own Books’ basket or the library. 
• Independent reading books are verified by teachers to ensure they provide an appropriate level of challenge
• Accelerated Reader is used to assess, monitor, promote and celebrate independent reading. 
• Some children will be supported to reach expected standards with additional planned sessions to read to a teacher or teaching assistant.