Although your child will be taught to read at school, you can have a huge impact on their reading journey by continuing their practice at home.
There are two types of reading book that your child will bring home:
A reading practice book (Little Wandle).
As part of our Little Wandle phonics programme, your child will bring home a wordless reading book in their book bag each week.
These books are designed to help children develop important early reading skills.
Encourage your child to look carefully at the pictures, talk about what they can see, describe what is happening and retell the story in their own words. You can ask questions such as “What do you think is happening?”, “How is the character feeling?” or “What might happen next?”.
There is no need for your child to memorise or repeat a particular story. The aim is to build their confidence in using pictures, vocabulary, comprehension and storytelling skills, which will support them as they begin to decode words through phonics.
A sharing book from the school library. Your child will not be able to read this on their own. This book is for you both to read and enjoy together.
In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The sharing book is a book they have chosen for you to enjoy together.
Please remember that you shouldn’t expect your child to read this alone. Read it to or with them. Discuss the pictures, enjoy the story, predict what might happen next, use different voices for the characters, explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun!
Please record your child’s reading in their yellow reading record each time you read their Little Wandle book together at home. A quick note, comment or even a smiley face is absolutely fine! This helps us to see how your child is getting on and allows us to celebrate their reading journey with them.
