READING
At St Anthony’s, we aim to inspire every child to develop a love of reading through immersing them in high-quality, engaging texts. All year groups share a wide range of stories with their children, from traditional tales and nursery rhymes to intriguing picture books and gripping novels.
We celebrate children’s achievements in reading with regular awards assemblies such as termly Reading Stars and a half-termly 100% Readers prize-draw. Children at St Anthony’s have access to their very own Reading Shed as well as two well-stocked, ever-changing libraries. Each class also has their own reading corner where children can enjoy their new favourite picture book or a timeless classic.
Early reading and phonics are taught through the Read, Write, Inc. Programme. The programme supports the development of sound and letter recognition, blending and decoding through fun, creative activities. Guidance for parents and carers to support their children is available at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EYx1CyDMZSc.
As children progress through the programme they also learn how to structure simple sentences and derive meaning from texts. Pupils begin the program when they arrive at our school in Nursery and once they have been assessed, they are streamed into ability groups. They are assessed on a regular basis to ensure they are progressing through the scheme at a rate suitable for them as an individual. More information about the program and ideas on how to support your child at home can be found at http://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/parents/
Once pupils are beginning to decode words, they are introduced to the Oxford Reading Tree - a series of banded books which pupils take home to share with parents and carers every night. Pupils are also encouraged to borrow storybooks from the school libraries to read simply for pleasure.
As pupils move into key stage two, they begin to read books from the whole-school library which have also been banded to support different reading abilities. These should be read aloud with parents each night to develop fluency and comprehension skills. They are still encouraged to borrow books from their class libraries to read for pleasure.
Tips for reading with your child at home: TOP TIPS
EYFS and KS1
KS2
Texts recommended by literacy guru Pie Corbett on the Scholastic website (https://www.scholastic.co.uk/piecorbett/resources)
NURSERY
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4
YEAR 5
YEAR 6
Useful websites/links for parents:
Read, Write, Inc. (help for parents): https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EYx1CyDMZSc
http://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/parents/
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/welcome-back/for-home/reading-owl/top-tips--3
https://idlcloud.co.uk/schools/IDLWeb.html
http://www.readingrockets.org/blogs/shanahan-literacy/11-ways-parents-can-help-their-children-read
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/supporting-you/families/reading-tips/how-to-read-with-your-child/
SPELLING
At St Anthony’s Catholic Primary school, we firmly believe that good spelling is an essential skill which allows children to communicate their understanding in all curriculum subjects. In order for pupils to develop into effective and confident writers, they need to develop and use a range of effective spelling strategies. By providing the children with a range of strategies we will equip them with the independence to attempt spellings before asking adults for help.
Our Aims at St Anthony's
Useful links for parents to support their children with spelling: