New Initiatives - Reading - Spring 2004
| Reading: |
The introduction of the Home/School Reading Cards and certificates: This was almost universally received (98%) in a very positive way parents. Staff and children were also enthusiastic. Many parents commented on how this has proved to be a great incentive for children to read at home. Staff have been particularly pleased to see that even the older children in school have responded very well to this initiative but have noted that there are a number of children who do not appear to read at home regularly despite the incentives. Actions/Response: Continue with the Reading Cards in the new academic year. We will continue to send reminders home for those children who are not reading and will look into alternative means of support ( e.g Reading partners, students etc.) for those children who are not able to be supported at home.
Your child's attitude to reading at home: Again the majority of respondents (91%) said their children had a positive attitude to reading at home and some noted this was particularly so since the introduction of the certificates. A small number ( 9%) said their children were sometimes reluctant and often preferred to play. Actions/Response: Include advice about reluctant readers in the Guided Reading Leaflet.
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| The usefulness of the Guided Reading Leaflet sent at the beginning of the year: |
Those who had read it (63%) had found it useful information and a clear explanation of our procedures for the teaching and learning of reading. However a number of people could not remember receiving it or had put it to one side and then not read it. Staff mentioned that despite the leaflet some parents still seemed unclear about our reading practices. ? this was particularly so in Year One where procedures change from Reception. Actions/Response: The Guided Reading Leaflet to be sent yearly in September. Investigate dual language version. An early Autumn Term meeting to be held for Year One parents as many practices change ( not just in relation to reading ) as children move from Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception.)
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If you attended the meeting for parents to explain the new Reading procedures did you find it useful? Very positive response from those who were able to/chose to attend. ( 52% of respondents.)
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Is there any other information you would like in relation to our approach to the teaching of reading? Most people did not have any further questions but we will cover other queries here.
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Evidence to prove this approach works? (1 query)
One parent asked if we had any evidence that this approach works. The Guided Reading process is a recommended part of the National Literacy Strategy which has raised standards throughout the country in the last few years. In Green Lane our Reading results at both Key Stage One and Key Stage Two are consistently good ? particularly over the last two years ? with an increased number of children reaching the higher grades at each age group.
In relation to our encouragement and promotion of Reading at Home ? there is a vast body of research knowledge which shows that those children who are additionally supported at home do best in all aspects of their school work ? particularly reading. The introduction of the Reading Cards and Certificates is an important strategy in encouraging home reading and has been well received by the vast majority of parents and children.
To see examples of the guided reading books. (1 query)
We were unsure as to whether this meant the children?s exercise books or the text books we use. Either way parents are welcome to have a look at these. Please ask your child?s class teacher who will arrange a mutually convenient time to show you.
Additionally we are planning to put on age specific displays at our Autumn Term Open Evening.
Prefer classroom books sent home (1 query)
We do this in Nursery and Reception ( and for some children into Year 1 ) until children reach a level of basic skill which allows the Guided Reading process to be most effective. After this stage it is not a question of children climbing their way up a series of graded schemes but a much broader process which includes learning a variety of reading skills, text types, genres etc. These skills are best taught through guided reading methods for which we need sets of books kept together with the associated work in school ? as children have a guided reading session every day.
The Reading at Home for Practice and Pleasure is just as it states and is a very important part of this whole process designed to encourage and foster a love of reading in its broadest sense avoiding the pressure that was often associated with ?reading scheme books.?
Please see the Reading Leaflet for a fuller explanation.
More help in the selection of books to read at home- guide to authors etc suitable for the age. (1 query)
We are looking into ways of providing this information to parents. In the meantime you may like to try these web-sites:
www.wordpool.co.uk ( mainly non-fiction)
www.scottishbooktrust.com/bestofbooks/
www.cool-reads.co.uk ( 10-15 year olds)
Would like to know how often and thoroughly the children?s reading is checked in school (2 queries)
Please see the Reading Leaflet for information.
Any other comments on reading: