As children progress into Key Stage 2, their reading journey really takes off. As fluent and confident readers, the world of books is fully open to them and they can enjoy reading across all genres of writing. Although their reading at this stage starts to become more independent, reading together with your child is still hugely beneficial. Children of all ages enjoy being read to and sharing new and familiar books. A lot of enjoyment can be had in reading old favourites together and for your child to read them to you.

What will my child bring home to read?

Once your child has completed our Phonics programme, they are then able to chose their reading book from our well-equipped school library. We support this transition with our Easy Reads section (Red, Blue then Green), which is perfect for those just starting out after phonics. Your child will take this library book home and bring it back to change when they have finished reading it. They will also bring home a Reading Journal. This special, hardbook book is for your child to use to record details of the books they have read.

How can I continue to support my child with reading?

First and foremost, be a reading role model for your child. Show them that reading can be relaxing and entertaining as well as informative and factual. Have books available at home. Share children's newspapers and magazines. Go to the library with your child. Make reading part of your home life.

Talk about books. Your child is now armed with the necessary skills to read more complex texts, so the focus can now move on to comprehension and discussion. When you have heard your child read from their library book, ask them questions about what they have read. Discuss themes and ideas, characters and unknown vocabulary. This will help to deepen their understanding of what they are reading and will mirror the teaching of reading comprehension in school. To support you we have developed a bank of questions for each year group that you can use at home when you are reading with your child. 

Encourage your child to share their thoughts on what they have read, in their Reading Journal. This is a book for them to own and be proud of and to document their reading journey. A comment written in by you also will not only delight your child but it will also support with engagement and enjoyment.