“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” - Dr Seuss

Reading Intent:

At Compass Primary, reading is prioritised across our curriculum. The engagement with wonderful children’s literature and high-quality texts across the full range of subjects is genuinely at the heart of our curriculum design and all our teaching.  We intend every child to leave as an enthusiastic reader with the ability to articulate their learning and access the full curriculum. We place a high focus on developing children’s vocabulary and spoken language.

Reading Implementation:

At Compass Primary we believe every child should leave our school as a reader. This encompasses two key themes. 1. All children have the ability to read and 2. All children foster a love of reading. 

To do this, we have ensure the following:

- All our staff are seen reading teachers. We have designated staff that act as advocates of reading and attend regularly CPD which is disseminated to all staff at regular times throughout the year. 

- Reading is explicitly taught during a dedicated 'Reading Week' ahead of an English sequence. The sequence incorporates Echo Reading, improving fluency and pace, learning to comprehend and developing vocabulary. 

- Reading is threaded through the writing sequence where high quality literature is used to engage the children. The children are taught to 'read as a reader' and 'read as a writer'.

- All children are read to daily by an adult within a timetabled slot.

- All children are heard by an adult. 

- Every month kicks off with an 'Author of the Month' assembly.

- Our library has a diverse range of books whereby children can see themselves within them. 

- Every corridor and classroom has a designated reading area which is loved and cared for.

- Purposeful rewards are used to promote and praise children's love of reading. 

- Designated library slots whereby classes visit the library for purposeful learning time. 

- Targeted interventions to support children who need extra support. This is done through Switched on Reading, Reciprocal Reading and Comprehension Catch Ups. 

- Promoting reading within school and within our local community

- Working closely with local libraries and authors to promote reading. 

Reading books:

Children at our school take home various books to support our intent.

In EYFS and KS1, children are given three reading books to take home. These are given out on a Monday, and need to be returned the following Monday. 

Book 1 - Black and white books

These books are as the title says. They are a black and white paper copy of the book your child is reading in their phonics session. They start a new phonics book on a Monday and read the same book for 5 days. This improves their fluency and understanding of the story. Please share this story with your child as it is one they will be familiar with and will be more confident at reading.

Book 2 - Book bag book

This is the coloured book. It matches the phonic ability that your child is at so they can sound out the words to help them to read it. Please read this book as many times as possible so that your child increases their fluency. Reading a book 2 or 3 times can really build a child’s confidence as they become familiar with the words.

Book 3 - Read for Pleasure book

This book may not be at your child’s reading ability but it is a book they have chosen out of interest. They may just want to look at the pictures; they may want to make up their own story, or they may want you to read the book to/with them. This book is for your child to enjoy and to build their love of reading.

In KS2, children are given two reading books to take home. These are given out on a Monday and need to be returned the following Monday. 

Book 1 - Accelerated Reader books 

These books match the reading age/comprehension age that your child is at. This level is assessed regularly throughout the year. Once your child has completed their book, they will quiz on it. Your child can quiz at: https://ukhosted85.renlearn.co.uk/2245947/ We do ask that your child reads this book several times (if it is a thin book) or carefully if it is a novel. Reading a book 2 or 3 times can really build a child’s confidence, as they become familiar with the words and the concepts of the text.

Book 2 - Read for Pleasure book

This book may not be at your child’s reading ability, but it is a book they have chosen out of interest. They may just want to look at the pictures/read at their leisure; they may want to make up their own story or they may want you to read the book to/with them. This book is for your child to enjoy and to build their love of reading.

How to support your child at home: