Reading in School

We were delighted to open up our school this morning to parent and carers of children in Reception and years 2-6.  Adults visited their child(ren’s) classes to observe and experience a guided reading session.  The children engaged with their parents/carers during the session and were able to get a real feel for how children read in class.  Everyone was then invited to stay for tea and coffee in the hall where Mrs Perry, Miss Kilvington and the school council were available to talk to parents/carers and answer questions on how we encourage reading in school. Mrs Corbett (Chair of Governors), Lis Wainwright (Link Gov for EYFS, English & the Humanities) and Helen Loney (Link Governor for Pupil Premium, Art & Music) were all in school and available to chat to throughout the whole session.

We had a fantastic turnout and it was so lovely to see so many adults in school, engaging with their children and other parents/carers.   We have another session on Monday when we are inviting parents/carers of children in Y1 to come into school to see a phonics session.  Miss Kilvington and Miss Bernard will lead a session explaining how phonics is taught, tips with how you can support your child in phonics and reading.

Many thanks to everyone who came and supported us.

Comment from Lis Wainwright (Governor)

It was a pleasure to visit school for the reading and year 1 phonics mornings this October. I am the link governor for English, so as part of my regular termly monitoring it was great to be able to observe the amazing reading happening in school, on this occasion alongside so many parents. 

On Friday’s reading morning I was able to visit years 2 to 6, as well as a small group reading intervention. It was wonderful to see the progression of reading skills as I moved through each year group. I am always taken aback by the mature way that the children answer questions and the respect that they show each other in their discussions. The teachers had built in so many opportunities for everyone to be able to contribute their ideas and demonstrate their understanding of a book with the use of whiteboards, chromebooks or a verbal debate. There really was something for everyone.

On Monday’s phonics morning, I enjoyed visiting both of the year 1 groups to observe them all learn about the ‘ay’ sound. It was clear to see how much they all enjoy their phonics lessons and they were able to show off their knowledge to another large group of parents. In both classrooms, everyone joined in to say the sounds on the flashcards, used ‘sound buttons’ to sound out and blend ‘ay’ words and practised their spelling on their whiteboards. It was wonderful to see how confident all of the children were to write words and sentences and the school staff were amazing at supporting, encouraging and challenging the children as they did so.