Reading for Pleasure
‘A child who reads will be an adult who thinks.’ Unknown
Reading permeates through all of our curriculum at St. Joseph’s. We aim to enthuse and inspire children with a love of reading and provide them with the skills they need to become not only fluent, confident readers, but also life-long readers and learners. We believe that reading can open doors for our pupils and can help them to gain experiences, improve language, vocabulary and stimulate their imaginations.
We have worked hard to give reading a high profile, aiming to create a reading culture throughout our school community. Each class takes pride in their reading corners, with displays and a wide range of material, from graphic novels to non-fiction books. We hold annual book events, where staff and children participate with great enthusiasm, such as World Book Day.
Reading aloud
Reading aloud is one of the most important things our teachers can do. Because of this, reading aloud is part of each school day. Reading aloud enables children to experience and enjoy stories they might not otherwise read. By reading well-chosen books aloud, teachers help to hear a wide range of vocabulary from good quality literature. Children in KS2 often read to children in KS1, which they love.
Library
Our school library has just had a big makeover and is now being enjoyed by all the children. The library is stocked with a fantastic range of books: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novels, magazines and children’s newspapers. As well as this, it is a comfortable and engaging environment for the children to be in. There is an area for the children to recommend books to each other. Each class visits the library weekly and children are able to change their books at other times. Parents are encouraged to read these books to their children at home. Our Year 6 librarians ensure that the library is kept tidy and are there to offer advice to the children. We use the library system, Libresoft.
Reading areas
As reading is so important to us, you will see reading areas all around school, not just in the classrooms. The books in these areas are changed on a regular basis and are often linked to a subject or a theme. In each classroom, there is a dedicated book corner with a wide range of high quality literature suitable for that year group. Children are encouraged to use these book corners each day.
Reading in the classroom
All children are given time to read independently each day. Book talk is encouraged by teachers. This comes in many forms from daily book votes in KS1 to book blankets in KS2. All classes welcome adult volunteers, who provide children with an opportunity to share a book with an adult.
Reading at home
Parents are encouraged to read with their children regularly. As well as their phonics book (KS1), children also take home a reading for pleasure book. Once a week a child from each class takes home a reading bag, which includes a book to share with parents and a hot chocolate.
