At Swaythling Primary School, we pride ourselves on instilling a love of reading amongst our children. Reading is taught with passion and value so that it opens doors, immerses children in different worlds, develops language and captures imaginations. Beginning with phonics, reading then evolves with the teaching of fluency and comprehension, allowing children to access the wider curriculum and enhance opportunities beyond school. Through story times, library visits, writing immersion, comprehension and discussions, we aim to create life-long, confident and fluent readers.

We teach a synthetic phonics programme called 'Little Wandle Letters and Sounds' starting in Year R and transitioning into spelling in Year 2.  Please see below for the overview followed across the whole of Key Stage 1.

Supporting with Reading at Home

What are the different ways I can read at home?

• Someone can read me, e.g. a bedtime story

• I can read to someone else, e.g. my reading book from school.
• I can read to myself to relax, e.g. snuggle with a book on the sofa.
• I can read to myself to learn something, e.g. a news blog or information text.
• I can read to make something, e.g. a recipe or instructions.
• I can listen to a book e.g. using Audible or Spotify.
• I can watch/listen to a book being read, e.g. the author reads on YouTube.

 

How can my grown-up talk to me about my reading?

• Take turns to  make predictions before reading: ​‘I wonder if…’ What do you think?’  
• Recap and summarise to understand what your child has read: ‘What has just happened?’ ‘Can you tell me the story in your own words?’
• Discuss the plot and characters to develop thinking: ​‘Did you expect that to happen?’ ‘Why do you think they feel that way?’ 
• Use encouragement and praise to keep me engaged in reading: ​‘What brilliant ideas!’ ‘You read that with wonderful expression!’
• Share knowledge and experiences that link to what I’m reading: ​‘Have you learnt about…at school?’ ​‘Do you remember when we watched…and found out about…?’ 
• Tune-in and listen to me read: ‘I really enjoy listening to you read.’ ‘I love how curious you are about…’

 

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 may bring home:

Phonics book:

This will be at the correct phonic stage or reading level for your child. They should be able to read this fluently and independently. 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 and 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.

A library book:

Your child may 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, so read it to or with them. Discuss the pictures, enjoy the story, predict what might happen next, use different voices for the characters or explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long should we read for?
👉 Just 10–15 minutes a day—little and often works best!

2. Should I still read aloud if my child can read?
👉 Yes! Hearing you read builds vocabulary and models how fluent reading sounds.

3. What if they want the same book every night?
👉 That’s fine! Re-reading boosts confidence, but just try to slip in new books too.

4. Do comics, recipes, or magazines count?
👉 Definitely! All reading counts—let them choose and pique their interests.

5. What if my child gets stuck on a word?
👉 Give them a moment, then try it together—reading should feel fun, not stressful.

 

✨ Top tip: The most important thing is to ENJOY reading together!