Why reading is important

At Learning Keys, we take Reading very seriously as we realise it’s the bedrock/launch pad from which most learning occurs. As a result, we want children to enjoy reading books-good books.

Why is reading important? Is it necessary to read every day?

• It helps children learn about the world in which they live.
• Good writing starts with good reading.
• It is a key skill needed to progress in all other subjects.
• Children learn how language works.
• Children develop a love for reading
• Reading opens up a whole new world to use.

Scientific research done on more reasons why we should read

It transports us to worlds we would never see, introduces us to people we would never meet, and instils emotions we might never otherwise feel. It also provides an array of health benefits. Here are six scientific reasons children should be reading everyday.

• Reading improves your language skills and knowledge of the world

“The better you are at reading, the more words you learn. The more words you learn, the better you are at reading and comprehending—especially things that would have been outside your domain of expertise.”

• Reading boosts creativity and flexibility

“When we read fiction, we practice keeping our minds open because we can afford uncertainty.”

• Reading enhances empathy

• Reading reduces stress

• Reading transforms your life as a person

KS1 Reading – Year 1 & Year 2

• Daily phonics / spelling session introducing other reading and spelling patterns.

• Once secure in phonics, children move to daily, class guided reading.

• Teacher and class read the text together and engage in ‘book talk’ using ‘VIPERS’ (vocabulary, inference, prediction, explanation, retrieval, and sequence or summarise, taken from the Literacy Shed).

• Children then complete a short written activity. 
• Writing and reading are linked within teaching with core reading books carefully selected from CLPE or Literacy Shed.

Guided reading

KS2 Reading – Year 3,4,5 & 6 

• Guided Reading also occurs daily, similarly to KS1 where the class read a shared text.
• Book talk and comprehension questions surrounding the text focus on VIPERS.
• These skills are taught in line with the year groups curriculum and build directly upon the reading skills acquired in Key Stage.
• The inference and deduction skills are more weighted and children are expected to explain their own reasoning based on evidence in the text.

Reading at home with your child

• Ensure your child sees you reading regularly whether it’s a book, newspaper or a magazine as it will instil a love of reading.
• Children are more likely to read if they see you reading at home. Talk to them about their favourite books or types of reading voice. Read with expression!
• Explain your reactions to text- Children love to see their parents laughing / crying/ angry about things they have read so … REACT.
• Reminisce about a book you read as a child-they love it!
• If you don’t have time to take your child to browse in the library or local bookshop then introduce them to an online resource such as www.lovereading4kids.co.uk , EPIC https://www.getepic.com/ www.reading eggs.co.uk , www,bugclub.co.uk
• Remember….Practise with praise makes PERFECT!

Working together

SO-How can we work together to help your child?

• Encourage independent reading (although this means listening to them), and remember children will still love being read to – it’s a lovely time – no matter the age!
• Encourage your child to try different authors and types of books and try to get them to make links to other books and their own experiences.
• Encourage your child to read to younger brothers, sisters, family members to make them feel like the ‘expert’.
• Also encourage them to read poetry as it will support the development of language and vocabulary. Learn to read a poem aloud each day. Poetry deepens children’s imagination and creativity
• Try to support your child with comprehending what they are reading. Ask questions which will deepen their understanding of a text: How is the character feeling? Why? What is the character thinking?

How can you help your child… The bottom line

• Read with your child daily and be overly enthusiastic!
• Visit the library and bookshops to browse and reserve new releases
• FirstNews paper (available at Sainsbury’s) is an excellent newspaper for enhancing children’s learning on current affairs in child friendly language
• Use the online reading platforms – they’re often free. Remember online safety
• You read the books too – they love reading what the adults read
• Ask lots of questions whilst reading – focus heavily on vocabulary and inference (what do you think and why?)

And remember the English language can be so tricky!

• There is no ham in ‘hamburger’ nor pine or apple in ‘pineapple
• Boxing rings are square!
• Writers write so why can’t fingers fing?
• Teachers teach so why can’t priests priest?
• We have noses that run and feet that smell!
• Vegetarians eat vegetables so what so humanitarians eat?

No wonder our children need all the keys to fix these tricks!