Reading at Merley First School

Reading at Merley First School

We are passionate about reading at Merley First School. Throughout the school, a love for reading is nurtured through our use of the Unlocking letters and Sounds Reading scheme, whereby high quality texts are used to develop language and writing skills, alongside reading skills. Children are provided with opportunities to develop their reading skills in directed Guided Reading sessions, as well as using opportunities across other curriculum areas. Our wonderful school library is visited each week by all classes for all children to take home a high quality book they have chosen and would love to enjoy. 

Reading Scheme

At Merley First School we promote a 'phonics first' approach and in both our guided reading sessions at school and in the books children take home, texts are very closely matched to a child's current phonics knowledge so that every child can experience real success in their reading. In these crucial early stages of reading we primarily use books from Ransom Reading Stars Phonics to ensure complete fidelity to the Unlocking Letters and Sounds progression we follow.

Reading in Year 3 and 4 is taught through whole class reading lessons teaching specific reading skills; allowing pupils to access extracts of high quality texts and teaching all pupils to analyse the text in greater depth. Children are encouraged to develop as independent readers, discovering favourite authors amongst the well-stocked shelves across the school.