Our Reading Curriculum

Reading is at the heart of our learning provision. We’ve designed our curriculum to help every pupil develop the skills they need to become confident, fluent readers.

What We Teach

Our reading curriculum focuses on four key areas:

Engagement in Reading

Pupils begin by:

• Participating in stories through actions, repeated through phrases and rhymes

• Anticipating what happens next in stories

• Communicating their understanding in their own way

As they progress, pupils:

• Read a range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry

• Listen and respond to texts

• Build confidence to read independently

Word Reading

Pupils learn to:

• Recognise and distinguish between different words, symbols, and pictures

• Develop phonemic awareness to support fluent reading

• Use phonics to decode words accurately

• Read an increasing number of words using their preferred reading method

• Recognise when to use strategies for unfamiliar words

Comprehension

Pupils develop their understanding by:

• Answering questions about stories

• Making inferences using pictures, images, and props

• Selecting information to answer questions

• Learning new vocabulary and clarifying meanings

As skills develop, pupils:

• Ask questions to deepen their understanding

• Sequence and retell increasingly complex stories

• Make predictions about what might happen

• Learning new vocabulary and clarifying meanings

Vocabulary

We help pupils expand their vocabulary through:

• Topic-related words

• Descriptive language

• Words linked to their interests

• Using context to work out word meanings

• Discussing and exploring new words

How We Support Progress

Each element of our reading curriculum builds on previous learning, ensuring pupils develop strong foundations and progress at their own pace. We adapt our teaching to meet individual needs, so every child can access and enjoy reading.

Developing a love of reading

We continually promote pupils’ interest in and a love of reading. Our topics are underpinned by engaging, exciting, high-quality texts which are shared and explored in a range of ways, including as sensory stories, story massage, role play, and drama.

We have a well-resourced library full of big books, noisy books, sensory stories, fiction and non-fiction books for children to engage with and borrow.

Every summer term, our entire school community comes together around one special book. Everyone – pupils, staff, and families – votes to choose the book, which becomes the focus of our learning. The term ends with a whole-school parade and art exhibition where we showcase the amazing work inspired by our chosen book.

• 2023-24: The Snail and The Whale

• 2024-25: Supertato

 This celebration brings our school community together and creates lasting memories around the books we love.