Reading Programmes

We have a bespoke approach to our reading programme at Inclusion School – developed around the specific needs of the learner.

Need some support?

Utilising phonics skills and programmes (such as Barrington Stoke) we have developed a more age appropriate system for learners who require this level of support.

We also actively encourage engagement and appreciation of reading for fun – providing access to our library with a range of different reading materials designed to support a range of interests and abilities.

Reading is an essential skill needed for so many aspects in life. Currently, we’re facing a “National Crisis” for reading, with so many children obtaining a lower reading age than they should withhold.

Some young people may struggle with comprehension, whereby they can read the text well, but struggle to understand what it is that they have read about.

Others will struggle with the sounds of the letters (phonics). When somebody struggles with phonics, they usually lack confidence in reading and avoid it at all costs. A lack of phonics understanding can be daunting and confusing. It can make it extremely difficult for people to de-code a word and ultimately, more difficult to read. I am happy to use a programme to support phonics too.

How will we support reading at Inclusion?

The first step for being able to identify where your child is at with their reading is to know what their “reading age” is. A reading age differs from a person’s chronological age and is simply the age ability that they are able to read at and comprehend.

For example, a 12-year-old can have the reading age of a 5-year-old, a 12-year-old or a 15-year-old. All are possible. We have been testing all learners in school to try and gather a reading age and starting point and can share the results when this is complete.

Following this, we should know which students really struggle with their reading and so can put support in place as soon as possible. For our weakest readers, we will timetable 1-1 reading for ten minutes every day (where possible) to enable them to read aloud with an adult. From my experience, this has shown the greatest improvements for reading age/ability as well as confidence over time.

All students will be provided with a reading log to track each time they read and can write a comment stating what they have read about in their book. An adult will sign this every time they have read with the child.

We will also aim to test for other areas such as; their knowledge of sounds and reading fluency/speed.

Lastly, we will look at ways to incorporate reading into our everyday culture.

Posters will be displayed for staff to highlight what book they are reading as well sharing our Recommended Reads and books linked to our awareness days topics and events. The possibility for a Library lesson and rewards for outstanding effort. We are currently looking at programmes to use within school and liaising with the Library Services to enable the best outcomes for our students.

What you can do to support?

Reading aloud for 10 minutes every day with your child. This is THE MOST important tip recommended. If you are going to do any, please do this one!

Here are some more tips to help:

Make a comfortable environment for you both to read in.
Modelling is an important aspect to encourage your child to read. Quite often, if they see you doing something positive, they will copy these behaviours. If you read with them present, they’re far more likely to express an interest in reading too. Just having them see you reading a book to “relax” can be an important indicator for them to pick up a book and also understand the importance of “down-time.”

Set a time daily for you to read together.
Visit your local Library together.
Encourage them to write, as writing has benefits to reading too. Thankyou cards, letters, lists, stories etc.
Ask them questions about what they are reading. “What is the story about?” “Who are the important characters?” “Where is the story taking place?” “Would you recommend this book?”
Encourage reading disguised. (When baking together, ask them to read the recipe/ ingredients for you. OR write a recipe together.)
Provide with puzzle games like; wordsearches, crosswords and other word games. There are many free resources online.

We shall continue to add useful information to this webpage with links to useful websites and resources to support reading with your child.

If you think reading at home will be tricky for you (and you yourself have difficulties within the area of reading) please do not hesitate to contact the school and we will support you with this.

Get in touch

If you would like to contact us with any further queries then please complete the form with your details and message and one of our team will be in touch.