Reading
When our children leave Highfields, we want them to be avid readers, who read confidently and fluently, with a range of skills to be able to decode and understand difficult texts and concepts, with a passion and thirst for reading and the ability to use reading as a driver to learn about a world beyond the one they experience.
We want them to be confident writers, who leave the school as authors, able to write cohesively, clearly and for a range of audiences and purposes. Each child will have a range of grammatical skills and knowledge that they can use and apply to their writing, to make choices and to create different effects on the reader, depending on the purpose for which they are writing.
Finally, children who leave Highfields will be able to communicate effectively and thoughtfully, able to articulate their thoughts and feelings in a mature manner, whilst being able to carefully and sensitively debate with others, engaging and thinking about how their words affect themselves and those around them.
How Can I Help My Child Read At Home?
- Read aloud every day: Even a few minutes can have a big impact. Reading aloud helps develop their language and comprehension skills and allows them to enjoy books above their reading level.
- Read together: Practice shared reading by having your child read to you. Start with a small amount each day and have them sound out words, not just guess.
- Make it a routine: Establish a consistent time for reading, such as before bed, to make it a natural part of your day.
- Let them choose: Allow your child to select books and topics they’re interested in, whether it’s fiction, comics, or non-fiction. Repetition with a favourite book can also be very helpful.
- Be expressive: Use funny voices, emotions, and sounds when you read to bring stories to life.
- Make it active: Encourage your child to turn the pages, and point to words as you read to help them track the text from left to right.
- Talk about the books: Ask questions before, during, and after reading to help them connect with the story and understand the characters and plot.
- Encourage sounding out: Help your child sound out words, but remember that some words are exceptions and won’t be phonetic.
- Help with tricky words: If they struggle with a word, help them decode it. You can also re-read difficult passages together to build fluency.
- Point to letters and sounds: Teach letter names and sounds together, using a variety of tools and keeping sessions short and fun.
- Visit the library: Make regular trips to your local library to discover new books and attend story times.
- Use other resources: Incorporate technology by using reading apps and videos, and read signs and information boards when you are out and about.
- Read together, even when they can read alone: Continue to read aloud to your child even after they can read independently. It helps with their comprehension and is a great way to bond.
HIGHFIELDS ARE BURNTWOOD SCHOOL READING CHAMPIONS…..AGAIN!
Over the summer, a large number of our pupils visited Burntwood Library and took part in their Summer Reading Challenge. Yet again, Highfields pupils are the Burntwood Schools Reading Champions! A huge well done to our amazing pupils and a big thank you to Mums, Dads and Carers for your support.
School Library
We have a wonderful school library with a huge selection of books for the children to read. Classes visit the library to choose new books or just to read quietly. Staff have put recommended reads on display for the children to take home. Every classroom also has a well-stocked classroom library which the children can borrow from. Our Reading Champions also encourage peers to read, they look after our school library as well the class libraries.
Read, Write Inc – Phonics at Highfields
https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/reading-schemes-oxford-levels/read-write-inc-phonics-guide/