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Reading

At Kensington Junior Academy, we are dedicated to nurturing literacy skills and preparing children for a lifelong love of reading and writing.   We have a detailed and comprehensive reading strategy in place that will not only develop the reading ability of every child, but open the wonderful world of books to all!

DLT Reading Strategy

Phonics

Phonics is taught daily to children in school who are not reading at the expected standard for their age.  They will follow a phonics scheme called ‘Little Wandle- Rapid Catch-up Programme’. This is a comprehensive phonics programme designed to help learners acquire and apply phonics skills.  The programme provides a structured and systematic approach to teaching phonics, enabling children to decode words accurately and fluently.

Supporting your child with reading

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.

ALL children will be bringing home a reading book each week.

Reading practice book- This will be at the correct stage for your child. 

This book has been carefully matched to your child’s current reading level. If your child is reading it with little help, please don’t worry that it’s too easy – your child needs to develop fluency and confidence in reading.

Listen to them read the book. Remember to give them lots of praise – celebrate their success! If they can’t read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together.

Little Wandle Resources for Parents

Reading mornings

We have an open invitation to all parents & carers to come and join their child in class from 08:45 to 09:00 every Wednesday morning.  This is a wonderful opportunity to read with your child and possibly their friends developing a love of reading aloud.

Library

In addition to an impressive library in school, every class will visit Ilkeston Library on an 8-week cycle throughout the year.  We will ensure that every child has a library card so that they can borrow books and return to use this great resource in their own time.

Reading Plus

Every child will have a log-on to Reading Plus which they can access both at school and home.  This very effective software tool will accelerate your child's ability to read with fluency,  accuracy,  automaticity and accuracy.

Useful websites

Sooper Books

National Literacy Trust

BBC Bitesize