Reading in KS1
In key stage one, we encourage the children to read at least 5 times a week, however most of the time the children read more as they love to read! Well done year 1 and 2, we are so proud of you!
Reading diaries:
At Meadows we have reading diaries that we record reading in. We will focus comments on what the children have done well in and what they need to improve on. We have included some examples below.
You have read with speed and accuracy, next you need to work on reading speech with expression.
You were able to decode words well using your phonic knowledge, next you need to reread words to improve your fluency (Increasing your speed and accuracy when reading).
You were able to read high frequency words ‘the, I and was ‘ next you need to work on reading words containing the tri-graph ‘igh’ for example light, tight and might.
Changing books
Before changing a book we listen to the children read their old book to ensure they are fluent and have understood it, and then we listen to them read their new book supporting them decoding any unfamiliar words.
What does fluency mean?
When we say fluency we mean reading with speed and accuracy. If your child leaves long pauses or sounds robotic when reading they need to reread sentences to improve their speed when reading. If children make mistakes when reading they need to be encouraged to reread to correct mistakes when decoding.
Supporting fluency:
To support fluency it is important to, in the early stages by sounding out words and letting the child blend sounds to create words. Then we must encourage the child to reread sentences when they know each word (able to read each word). Next, we must encourage the children to read each sentence with speed and accuracy (fluency). Again, to achieve this we must encourage children to reread sentences and reread sentences to our children. It is a great idea to get them to decode, then you reread to model good reading and then they reread the sentence. Also, we must not change books too frequently, it is important that children understand the books they are reading and able to read them fluently (with accuracy and speed) before changing them. Getting to the end of a book doesn’t mean they understand it and can read it well.
What does decoding mean?
Decoding means segmenting and blending the word to be able to read it and understand it. If your child struggles to sound the word out, do it for them and then get them to blend it. (In school we use ‘frog talk to support blending’ this means the adult sounding out individual phonemes and then the child blending them back together to then be able to say the word. It is important when reading we encourage children to ask questions about words and phrases they don’t understand. As adults if we don’t understand something we ask, so it’s important we encourage our children to do the same, because that’s exactly how we learn; through talking.
Reading Diaries:
In our school reading diaries we encourage parents and carers to comment on reading. We have attached some examples of comments to help you focus on good reading skills and areas for development.
In our reading diaries we also have vocabulary boxes for you to record interesting words the children don’t know yet. This creates a good talking point where as a parent/carer you can discuss new vocabulary.
Also, I think it is important to say we don’t expect the children to be reading vast amounts all of the time, sometimes it is important to read a page but have a really good understanding of what is being said. Therefore, don’t rush through a book, reread it, discuss it and take the time to reflect on it. Talk about what they enjoyed, what they disliked, the characters they liked/disliked and why as this all adds to their reading experiences.
Asking questions when reading:
When reading to children we always ask a variety of questions. To support asking questions at home we have added a link to VIPERS. This will give you a starting point and support you with asking questions as you read with your child. You can record these questions in your child’s reading diaries with their responses or get them to write a response.
Reading challenge:
At Meadows Primary School and Nursery, we have a reading challenge competition. The competition encourages the children to read and have a comment from an adult as regularly as possible. The amount of reads with comments from adults are counted and the children with the most ‘reads’ are entered into a competition to win a book of their choice. This challenge is reflected in classrooms via displays against the height the children are on a reading challenge display. For example, in year two, children’s names are on rockets, the closer they are to the moon the more they have read.
Golden Read
In school at the end of everyday we read a class book to the children. During this time we share our thoughts and feelings about the book and listen for enjoyment.
Happy reading year 1 and 2!
Year 1 @Meadows 