At Hollyfield, we know how important reading for pleasure is. Research tells us that reading enjoyment is more important for children’s educational success than their family’s socio-economic status. We believe that a whole school reading for pleasure culture must be planned for and promoted throughout the school in a variety of ways, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to develop a real love of reading.
Story Time
At Hollyfield we enjoy daily story time. This is time in the day where we come together as a class and enjoy listening to a story. During this session we read our ‘class reads’ which include high-quality, diverse texts from our carefully curated reading spine. We also mix it up sometimes by reading poetry, non-fiction, a picture book, a book a pupil has brought in to share or books recommended by pupils and/or staff members – anything at all! During these sessions, staff do not stop unnecessarily to ask clarification/ comprehension questions. Instead, they model a love of reading only pausing where necessary to define any important vocabulary or clarify meaning.
We also invite parents to join us in school for a story time at least once a year. Reading is again, encouraged at home and parents are supported to understand how to read to/ with their child.
Reading Enrichment
We constantly promote a love of reading at Hollyfield and we achieve this in a range of ways. Every September, we appoint a new group of pupil Reading Champions who help us to promote the love of reading and really enjoy popping into assemblies and classrooms to do so. They also undertake a number of other responsibilities to help develop a love of reading in all children.
Every classroom has a reading corner which is a well-used, inviting space with high-quality texts. Children frequently borrow books from these spaces to enjoy in school and to take home. Books are also borrowed from the numerous school library areas. All library areas are organised in clear sections to help pupils consider their book selections. Class teachers keep a record of the books children take home for reading for pleasure so that they are able to monitor, develop and extend this as and when appropriate.
Our Year 5 pupils buddy up with the Reception children and enjoy visiting them regularly to share books and enjoy reading together. This is a much-loved time and also helps to develop bonds between our youngest and older pupils.
In September, Year 6 pupils are all supported to register for a library card at the local library and then regularly visit to enjoy sharing and choosing books from an even wider range of texts. Pupils borrow books from the library and enjoy time there browsing and engaging in meaningful book talk with their peers and staff.
We also:
• Have a new author focus for each year group, every term.
• Celebrate a number of events including: World Book Day, Shakespeare Week and National Storytelling Week.
• Have live author visits every half term for every year group, from a wide range of diverse authors and genres.
• Have reading sheds on the KS1 and KS2 playgrounds as well as in the Reception outdoor area.
• Regularly distribute to classes and email to parents, reading newsletters written by the Reading Champions. These include recommendations and new releases.
• Have story time takeovers by the Reading Champions.
• Regularly share stories related to our school values and special days in assembly times.
• Have lunchtime reading clubs.
• Have books available for parents to borrow.
• Hold reading parent workshops.
…and lots more!
