Reading

 

At Diss, we teach a broad and balanced curriculum which puts reading at the center of our children's learning. All children are read to daily and we teach with a thematic approach meaning that children can immerse themselves in books across the curriculum. As well as wanting our children to love reading for enjoyment we also want reading to be a valuable tool in their learning.

The Diss Reading Experience

- Teachers read daily to their class from high quality texts. 

- In Reception and Year 1, children develop their reading skills through daily guided sessions using books which are matched to their current phonics level. 

- In Year 2, whole class reading is taught daily, exposing children to fiction, non-fiction, poetry

- English lessons are based around high quality texts

- Teachers share in the love of reading

- Aspiration for children to read and experience a broad selection of books

- Children take home books for enjoyment which they can share with their families.

- Reading Eggs provides online access to lessons and books at home. 

 50 Books to Read in Nursery

50 Books to Read in Reception 50 Book to Read in Year 1 50 Books to Read in Year 2

Reading at Home - Top Tips

1) CHOOSE A QUIET TIME

Set aside a quiet time with no distractions. 10 to 15 minutes is usually long enough.

 

2) MAKE READING ENJOYABLE

Make reading an enjoyable experience. Sit with your child. Try not to pressurise if he or she is reluctant. If your child loses interest then do something else and come back to it later.

 

3) MAINTAIN THE FLOW

If your child mispronounces a word do not interrupt immediately. Allow your child to self-correct using their phonics skills. You can always discuss mispronounced words at the end of your reading time.

 

4) SUCCESS IS THE KEY

Struggling with a book with many unknown words is counterproductive because the flow is lost, the text cannot be understood, and children can easily become reluctant readers. Look at the '50 Books to Read' link above for your child's year group as a guide. If you feel like the books your child is bringing home are too difficult, please speak to their teacher.

 

5) VISIT THE LIBRARY

Encourage your child to use the public library regularly. Remember your child should have a book from our school library.

 

6) REGULAR PRACTICE

Try to read with your child every day. Little and often is best.

 

7) COMMUNICATE WITH THE SCHOOL

Your child has a reading record book. Try to communicate regularly with positive comments and any concerns. Your child will then know that you are interested in their progress and that you value reading. We would love to hear the children’s opinions of the texts they read and their progress.

 

8) TALK ABOUT THE BOOKS

There is more to being a good reader than just being able to read the words accurately. Being able to understand what has been read is just as important. Always talk to your child about the book; about the pictures, the characters, how they think the story will end, their favourite part. You will then be able to see how well they have understood and you will help them to develop good comprehension skills. There are some questions below that you can use to build your child's comprehension.

 

9) VARIETY IS IMPORTANT

Remember that children need to experience a variety of reading materials eg. picture books, hardbacks, comics, magazines, poems, recipes, instructions and information books. Don't forget that your child has a login for Reading Express which has lessons as well as a large library of books to read.

Here are some questions to help you at home with your child's reading comprehension

Can your child find evidence directly from the story to answer your questions?
The answer is right there in the text.
What did……… do?
Who did……… do it to
How many……… were/are there?
Who are………?
Can you tell me what this word/bit means?
What kind of ……… is that?

Can your child think and search for the answer?
The answers are found in different parts of the story and they might have to apply prior knowledge or personal experience to an answer.
How do you make/do……?
What happened when……… did………?
What happened to………?
What do you think might happen next OR what happened before?
How many times…
What examples can you find?
Where did this happen?
Where was…… when this was happening?

Can your child answer questions without referring to the story?
The answer is not in the story, it is your child’s opinion and thoughts.
Have you ever…
If you could…
If you were going to…
In your opinion…
Do you agree with………? Why?
Do you know anyone who………?
How do you feel about……?