We have recently upgraded some of our home reading books throughout the school. We now have a larger range of books that are colourful, stimulating and interesting for both you and your child to read and enjoy.
Due to this we are starting a new home reading scheme called ‘Reading Stars.’ We have now organised our books into ‘book bands’ which allows us to group books by different publishers into the same reading level. This will be shown on the books by an identification strip in the appropriate colour.
Every child will now bring home a reading record book which we would like you to write in every time that you have listened to your child read. At the front of this book you will find your child’s current reading target.
Please talk to your child about this target when they read to you. Children in Year 5 and 6 may prefer to read to themselves, but we would still like you to discuss their reading with them to check that they have understood the book. Staff will also complete this book when they have listened to your child read. This may be individual reading or in a guided group.
The children will record on a chart in class when they have read at home. All children will be provided with a plastic book bag to begin with, unless they already have a school book bag. However, if the plastic book bag is lost, you will need to purchase a new one from the school office. Please ensure that your child brings their book bag to school every day, even if they haven’t read as staff will need to check the reading records and complete them when they have listened to your child read. Please encourage your child to read to you every day. Anything that involves reading can be recorded in their book. For example: comics, magazines, game instructions, or recipes.
We are aiming to make the children more independent and responsible for their reading by allowing them to change their own books. Children will be supported with this to start with, particularly in KS1. If you find that your child hasn’t changed their book then please let the teacher know.
If you have any questions or feedback, please speak to your class teacher or leave a message for me at the office and I will look into it.
Thank you again for your continuing support in developing reading at Elliston Academy.
Mrs Patterson
Principal