Key vocabulary we use in phonics:
“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”
– Walt Disney
At Waycroft, we believe the most important skill any child can leave primary school with is the ability to read independently and effectively for meaning. We therefore provide a curriculum which offers a structured approach to the teaching of reading through discrete reading lessons and embedding this work within our broad and rich curriculum.
Fantastic reading results are not only because of what children learn in school. Pupils become successful readers with a love of books because of the support they get from home through daily opportunities to read and hear stories. We thank our parents, grandparents and carers for that.
Alongside formal lessons, we are committed to promoting the importance of reading for pleasure. Evidence shows that young people who read for enjoyment daily perform better in their lessons and assessments than those who do not read regularly.
All teachers support children to enjoy reading and enable them to read a wide range of good quality fiction and non-fiction. This is supported by a well-stocked library and a PTA which often uses raised funds to buy new books for the pupils to enjoy.
For early reading, please see the section on the website under: Curriculum then phonics.
Accelerated Reader is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor your child’s independent reading practice. Children are introduced to this in Year 2 when they are confident in their phonetic reading ability. They will not be assigned books to read, meaning they can choose books that interest them. The children will read the book independently although an adult can support them by encouraging them with any words they find tricky or discussing the story with them. When finished, they will take a short quiz on a laptop or iPad in school (this may not be for all books, depending on how quickly pupils read them).
Accelerated Reader gives your child and their teacher feedback based on the quiz results, which your teacher can then use to help you set targets and direct ongoing reading practice.
Accelerated Reader uses a formula to give a book a level. A book level is determined by average sentence length, average word length and word difficulty level.
Their ZPD is the range of books that will challenge them without causing frustration or loss of motivation. They will receive a ZPD range after taking a Star Reading test. It is important that they read with a high degree of comprehension and within their ZPD.
At the beginning of the year, each class chooses their shared books for the year. The class teacher reads this to them daily, usually at the end of the day. It is often quite challenging and a higher level than they read at home independently. It is a good opportunity to discuss vocabulary and for the children to practise their reading skills.
Parent guide to suggested reading books
