Reading Together in EYFS and KS1

Reading together with your child from an early age is one of the most powerful ways to boost their brain development, build essential language skills, and strengthen your emotional bond. Regular shared reading exposes children to a rich vocabulary and proper sentence structures, which significantly enhances their early literacy and prepares them for future academic success. Beyond the cognitive benefits of improved memory and concentration, sitting down with a book creates a warm, secure environment that fosters deep emotional connection and a lifelong love of learning. At St Breock, we understand that the school and home environments are equally as important for instilling a love of reading and therefore, we believe that a strong partnership between school and home is paramount.

What will my child bring home to read?

All children in Early Years and Key Stage 1 at St Breock have a weekly class visit to our school library. On this day, the children select a book to take home to share with you. This is for your to look at together and enjoy and for you to read to them.

In addition to their library book to share, children from Reception upwards will bring home phonics books. At St Breock, we use the Read, Write Inc. Phonics programme to teach the children to read and the books they take home are linked to our teaching in school. Initially, children take home a Sounds Book. This is to enable them to practise saying the sounds they have learnt in school. As they progress onto word reading, children take home phonics reading books. They start with blending books and then move onto storybooks. In school, a phonics storybook is taught over 3 sessions and at the end of the third session, children take home a black and white paper copy of the book they have read in class, the Storybook. They also take home an additional book linked to this text. This is called a Book Bag Book. Children keep these books for three days. On the third day, they are changed in school. Children will only bring phonics books home containing the sounds they have learnt.

How often do we expect children to read at home?

At home, children should read their phonics book daily over three days. This supports not only their word reading, but also their fluency and comprehension. Above all, it builds their confidence in reading and their enjoyment.

How do you make reading memorable?

Choose a time when you don't have to rush, free from distraction, when you can slow down and really focus and enjoy reading. Find somewhere comfortable and cosy maybe with a blanket, cushions and soft toys. Make it relaxing and a time to that you both look forward to.

EYFS and KS1 Reading Meeting