Reading

Reading at Holmleigh Primary School

At Holmleigh Primary School, we believe that reading is the key to unlocking a world of knowledge, imagination, and discovery. We are committed to fostering a lifelong love of reading among our students through a comprehensive and engaging approach that includes Bug Club Phonics, Daily Supported Reading sessions, Destination Reader, Bridge to Destination Reader (introduced in Year 2), Accelerated Reader for Key Stage 2, regular story time, and participation in Hackney Reading Champions.

Bug Club Phonics:

Bug Club Phonics forms the foundation of our early reading program. Through systematic and interactive phonics lessons, we empower students to develop strong phonemic awareness and phonics skills. This structured approach ensures that all children become confident and fluent readers, equipped with essential decoding strategies to tackle unfamiliar words independently.

 Daily Supported Reading:

In our daily supported reading sessions, students engage in guided reading activities tailored to their individual reading abilities. Teachers provide personalized support and feedback, helping students to develop comprehension skills, fluency, and a deep understanding of texts. These sessions encourage critical thinking and discussion, fostering a love for literature while building confidence in reading.

Destination Reader:

Destination Reader is a reading programme developed by Hackney Education.  It encourages independent thinking and nurtures a passion for reading.  As a class, children access high quality books that are engaging and exciting to read.

Destination Reader involves daily sessions incorporating whole class modelling prior to the children applying these skills through partner work and independent reading. Children deepen their understanding of the texts they read through the systematic use of a series of strategies and language stems.

Within Destination Reader there are three types of lessons.  During the week, the children will have two core text sessions which focus on teaching reading strategies and developing book talk.  There are two independent sessions where children apply the taught strategies to their own reading books and build their reading stamina.  Children also have opportunities to discuss their book recommend texts during these independent sessions.  The third type of lesson is the written comprehension session which focuses on teaching the techniques of answering questions and on how to read texts actively.

Bridge to Destination Reader in Year 2:

In Year 2, we introduce Bridge to Destination Reader, a preparatory program that transitions students into the structured approach of Destination Reader.  Building in independence through engaging activities and guided discussions, students begin to explore deeper comprehension strategies and analytical thinking, laying the foundation for their continued development in reading comprehension.

 Accelerated Reader for Key Stage 2:

In Key Stage 2, we implement Accelerated Reader, a program designed to motivate and monitor students’ independent reading practice. Students choose books at their own level and read independently both in school and at home and then take short quizzes to measure their understanding and track their progress.  Through emails, parents receive instant feedback on their child’s progress with their quizzes and every half term, updates on their reading age.  This program encourages a love for reading and helps students develop critical reading skills and comprehension.

 Regular Story Time:

We prioritise the joy of storytelling through regular story time sessions. These sessions expose students to a variety of literature, including classic stories, contemporary fiction, and cultural tales. Story time fosters a love for books, enhances listening skills, and promotes discussions about characters, plot, and themes.

Reading Champions Hackney:

Holmleigh Primary School actively participates in Reading Champions Hackney, a program that celebrates and encourages reading achievements among students.  Holmleigh has three Reading champions (yr5 and 6) who help raise the profile of reading within their school.  Our champions have a meaningful role in enriching the reading culture and promoting reading in schools through a ‘peer led’ system to motivate other children to read.  They share best practice with the other Hackney reading champions and support each other and create a platform for honest pupil voice that supports L.A. and School leader decisions

Support and Differentiation:

1. Teacher Support: The use of Benchmarking and AR ensures that our choice of class text is matched to where the children are so that all learners progress and achieve their reading goals.
2. Reading Resources: We provide a rich variety of reading materials, including books, e-books, and digital resources, to cater to diverse interests and learning styles.
3. Parental Engagement: We actively involve parents in their child’s reading journey through workshops, home reading programs, and regular updates on reading progress and strategies.

Assessment and Progress Tracking:

1. Formative Assessment: Children are heard read on a regular basis. Reading is carefully tracked and, children who are below the expected level, receive intervention support. Ongoing assessment during reading sessions informs teaching and learning, guiding next steps and identifying areas for development.
2. Reading Records: Regular monitoring of reading records and comprehension tasks ensures that each student’s progress is tracked effectively.

Conclusion:

At Holmleigh Primary School, reading is at the heart of our curriculum. Through Bug Club Phonics, Daily Supported Reading, Destination Reader, Bridge to Destination Reader, Accelerated Reader for Key Stage 2, regular story time, and participation in Reading Champions Hackney, we nurture a lifelong passion for reading and equip our students with essential literacy skills. We believe that reading opens doors to limitless opportunities and prepares our students for success in their academic and personal lives.

Explore more about our approach to reading and literacy development at Holmleigh Primary School. For further information, please contact us or visit our school to see our reading programs in action.