Reading
Our approach to Reading
At Porchester, we recognise the importance of reading and it is therefore timetabled to be taught regularly and explicitly each week. Our approach is based on Complete Comprehension and is centered around 8 key skills:
Our Reading Progression Document ensures coverage of the Complete Comprehension units throughout the year and a clear progression of genres and skills across the year groups over a 2-year cycle.
Please see our Reading Overview here:
Our Porchester Reading Lesson Structure outlines a structure of a 6 lesson sequence for each Complete Comprehension unit. In summary:
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Lesson 1 |
To read and understand a text (vocabulary focus) |
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Lesson 2 |
To read and understand a text (application of fluency strategies) |
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Lesson 3 |
To apply specific reading skills (teacher model and guided practice) |
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Lesson 4 |
To apply specific reading skills (independent application) |
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Lesson 5 |
To apply a range of reading comprehension strategies (a range of different question types) |
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Lesson 6 |
To develop positive attitudes to reading (Reading for Pleasure) |
Reading for Pleasure
In order for our children to become frequent readers, developing a love of reading is fundamental. At Porchester, our library is a vehicle for promoting a love of reading, with a key part of this being the Porchester Must Reads. This is a selection of high-quality texts that we recommend our children read during their time at Porchester. The collection has been carefully chosen to include bestsellers, classics, up-and-coming authors and diverse themes, ensuring our children are exposed to a range of quality literature and varied vocabulary, regardless of their ability. A team of librarians are trained to manage the library and make recommendations to others around school.
A reading culture is further promoted and celebrated throughout school in various ways:
- Classroom book areas with readily available texts for further reading choice
- ELS (Education Library Service) subscription linked to enquiry themes
- Use of high-quality texts across the wider curriculum
- Consideration given to text choice to inspire all children
- Regular reading aloud sessions for pleasure
- Regular opportunities for independent reading and informal book talk
- Themed days and events e.g. World Book Day, Book Fair
- Teachers modelling a love of reading (talking about books, enthusing about books)