Reading

At Albemarle, we believe that reading is the foundation of education and learning. Reading stimulates children’s imagination, curiosity and expands their understanding of the wider world. Through exposure to the amazing rhythm and melodies of language, children flourish as writers, articulate speakers and independent learners.

Intent:

Our Reading curriculum enables our children to select and read a wide range of texts. Through high quality, relevant texts, we aim to expose our children to a wide range of vocabulary and authors, thus helping them flourish as creative writers, articulate speakers and independent learners. At the heart of our children’s reading journey, we strive to instil a love for reading through Reading For Pleasure sessions to raise children's motivation and self confidence. Children are given the opportunity to talk about the books they are reading and to perform their favourite poems. Daily storytime is timetabled across the school, this is an uninterrupted time where stories, short non-fiction texts and poetry are shared with the class.

Implementation:

To develop and build on our children’s comprehension and discussion skills, Albemarle follows an inclusive pedagogy based on whole class reading. As a class, every child will read and analyse the same carefully selected text and are supported through echo reading, high-level questioning and discussion. Whole class reading allows for reading to be taught as a lesson, which challenges our learners and encourages them to take risks. From Early Years, vocabulary is taught and used in context. All lessons begin by looking at Tier Two vocabulary that the children will encounter in the lesson. Children are encouraged to discuss their opinions on a text and the extent to which they agree with its message.

We are proud to be part of the CLPE 'Reflecting Realities', the first UK study looking into the diversity of children's literature. The study focuses on the extent and quality of ethnic minority characters used in children's fiction and non-fiction. The project follows the experiences of children currently in Year Five but the impact of the training and research positively impacts all of our children's experience of literature.

We understand the essential part that poetry plays in children's literacy experience. It is a vital genre for teaching fundamental aspects of literacy and at Albemarle we ensure that children have exposure to a wide range of poetry throughout the Key Stages. As well as including poetry books in our key texts we share poems in class and in assemblies. We have recently introduced, 'Poem For The Week'. As well as sharing the poem with the children and displaying it across the school, the poet becomes a focus for that week's Poetry Club.

Authors and poets visit the school to demonstrate the writing process and to further inspire our children. This adds to the enjoyment and engagement of literature as well as developing aspiration. The impact remains long after the visit as sessions are built upon in class and books by the author are readily accessible in classrooms. In Autumn term 2023, we have already welcomed Matt Goodfellow and Jane Porter and been out to see children's laureate, Joseph Coelho. Each KS1 and KS2 class attends the Barnes Literature Festival, which is another opportunity to meet an inspirational author, poet or illustrator.

Book Corners are representative of our school community and include book recommendations from children and staff. Albemarle is excited to be developing a brand new library, where teachers will provide ‘Read with me’ sessions to explore new literature. Each Key Stage One and Two class visit Southfields Library once a half term and are able to select books to further develop the children's love for reading. Each week we have playground libraries allowing children to enjoy and share books as part of their lunchtime activity. World Book Day is a much-loved and celebrated day at Albemarle, with our children dressing up as new and exciting words to expand their vocabulary or as a favourite book character.

Impact:

Our Reading curriculum allows our children to leave Albemarle as fluent, confident readers with a bank of literary and comprehension skills at their fingertips. Our children experience literature that mirrors their own lives as well as books that allow them windows into the lives of others. Children take pleasure in book talk, which includes evaluating an author's use of language and the impact this has on the reader. They share recommendations of books and choose to read from a variety of genres. Most importantly, through systematic and well-planned reading sessions, exposure to high quality texts and the deliverance of a broad and balanced reading curriculum, our children leave Albemarle as avid, passionate readers, prepared for the next stage in their journey.

KS 2 Reading Maps

Year 3 - Here

Year 4 - Here

Year 5 - Here

Year 6 - Here

Enjoy 'Poem for the Week,' at home

Week beginning 9th Oct - Matt Goodfellow, Remember

Week beginning 16th Oct - Valerie Bloom, Seasons

Week beginning 30th Oct - Kate Wakeling, Thought Machine

Useful Links for Learning:

The Children's Poetry Archive

Centre For Literacy In Primary Education