English

Home Reading

It is essential that your child reads aloud with you at home for at least 15 minutes per day. Children will be given access to a range of texts at an appropriate level, to support reading at home. Parents/Carers should ask questions about the text to further develop comprehension skills in addition to their understanding of vocabulary and content.  

These questions may include:  

  •  Look at the front cover. What could the book be about? 
  • Who is the author? Who is the illustrator? 
  • What does this word mean? Can you think of a word that has the same/opposite meaning? 
  • Who are the main characters? 
  • How do you think the character feels? Why? How would you feel in that situation? 
  • What do you think will happen next? Can you predict how the book will end? 
  • Who is your favourite/least favourite character? Why? 
  • Is there a hidden message in the story? What is it? 
  • Retell the story in your own words. 
  • Do you like how the story ended? Can you think of another possible ending? 
  • Did you enjoy the book? Why? What would you change? 

The primary age range is one that encompasses a significant amount of child development, particularly regarding reading. At the beginning of Key Stage 1, Year One, some readers will be reliant on sight vocabulary and developing their phonetic ability to sound words out. But by the end of Key Stage 2, Year Six, many youngsters will be picking challenging chapter books and using high-quality non-fiction for research and to develop arguments.

Reading underpins all learning, and the confidence gained by choosing a wide range of rich material and genres to read will define a child’s approach to and enthusiasm for education.

Reading for pleasure is key to maintaining a child’s appetite for books, learning and improving reading ability. Learners who are immersed in a ‘reading for pleasure’ culture from an early age are far more likely to transition to secondary school with a bedrock of literacy ability and enquiring minds.

Use the links below to access a diverse, interesting, and approachable selection of books for each year group. Each list includes a variety of styles, genres, and formats to appeal to readers of all reading abilities.

Free eBooks and resources to support reading development and phonetic awareness can also be accessed through Oxford Owl.

 

Spelling

Below are the common exception words – words that are spelled without using the normal spelling rules – that children in England are expected to be able to spell.

Handwriting

To communicate effectively, children need to develop accurately formed handwriting which is legible. 

In Key Stage One, we expect children to write in pencil using the following letter formation.  

Whilst in Key Stage Two, it is expected that children write using the following cursive joined style. When ready and appropriate, they will be given the opportunity to work in black pen.