Reading at Green Gates is exciting and inspiring. We create a love of reading with a variety of techniques. Our children see reading as an enjoyable activity and a transferrable skill.
EYFS and Key Stage One
As soon as children begin their learning journey at Green Gates Primary School, they are taught using a systematic programme of phonics called Read Write Inc.
What is Read Write Inc. (RWI)?
Read Write Inc. is a structured, systematic phonics programme. It teaches children to read accurately and fluently by learning sounds first, then blending them to read words. The programme also supports spelling, writing, and comprehension as children progress. Read Write Inc is designed to be consistent, rigorous and dynamic giving every child the skills to read by the age of 6.
Why do we use Read Write Inc.?
We use Read Write Inc. because it gives children a strong foundation in early reading and writing. It builds confidence, supports rapid progress and ensures consistency in how phonics is taught across our school. The programme is well-structured, engaging and proven to help children become confident, fluent readers. Evidence of RWI success can b found in the Ofsted report, Reading by six: how the best schools do it.
Who follows the programme?
Read Write Inc. is followed by children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, as well as any older children who still need support with phonics or those who need additional support developing fluency. Children are grouped according to their phonics ability so teaching is closely matched to their needs. These assessments are closely monitored every half term so children will continually be working at their challenge point.
How often will children read?
Children will read daily with a trained member of the school staff as part of their Read Write Inc. sessions. It is vital that books are sent home and brought back to school every day, as they are used regularly in class.
Children will bring home:
- A phonics book that has already been read and discussed in class, so they can read it confidently at home.
- A Book Bag Book which mirrors the same sounds and spelling patterns but will be a new read for your child.
- A reading for pleasure book to enjoy and share with an adult at home which can be changed in school daily.
Regular reading at home, alongside daily reading in school, plays a key role in helping children become successful readers.
Key Stage Two
Once children complete our Read Write Inc. phonics programme, they move onto focusing on reading comprehension. Enjoyment of reading is promoted through the study of a range of texts, including novels and poetry. Group discussions enable the children to share opinions about themes in the story and to understand more complex language patterns. Once these discussions have taken place, children learn a range of skills to enable them to answer questions about a text. The children are taught the skills of simple information retrieval and shown how to gain a deeper understanding of the text using the complex skill of inference.
The ultimate aim is for children to become avid readers who are not only able to understand a text, but are able to make judgements, express opinions and preferences – clearly justifying their reasons.
We explicitly talk about and discuss the following reading skills with children:
- Retrieval
Retrieval is the skill of finding and recalling specific information or facts directly from the text. It involves locating answers by carefully reading the words on the page. - Inference
Inference means reading between the lines to understand what the author is implying but not directly stating. It requires using clues from the text and prior knowledge to draw conclusions. - Text Structure
Text structure refers to how a text is organised, such as through headings, paragraphs, or story elements like beginning, middle, and end. Understanding this helps pupils follow the flow and purpose of the writing. - Vocabulary
Vocabulary is the knowledge and understanding of words and their meanings. Developing vocabulary helps pupils comprehend texts better and express their ideas more clearly. - Comparing and Contrasting
Comparing and contrasting involves looking at the similarities and differences between characters, events, or ideas within or across texts to deepen understanding. - Reviewing and Performing
Reviewing and performing means reflecting on a text’s content and then expressing it aloud or through actions, which helps pupils engage with and remember what they have read.
Home Reading
Every child is expected to take a book home to read, and their parent/carer is expected to record in their home reading record on a daily basis. We encourage the children to read at home regularly and to reach the sun in our ‘Read for the Stars’ reading reward scheme.
Reading Areas
At Green Gates Primary, every class has a reading area and a selection of books which the children can choose from to read for pleasure. We are also incredibly lucky to have a wonderful, immersive library where the children can relax and enjoy a book or two.