Reading and Phonics

Through reading, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know.

We aim to foster a love of reading here at Hargrave Park School through daily story time where quality books are read and discussed. All children visit the school library weekly for an opportunity to share stories and a range of books and choose books to borrow. We also have links with Archway Library.

Reading is also taught through daily guided reading sessions where the children take turns working in a group with the teacher, teaching assistant or other children in their group.

The teaching and learning of phonics enables children to identify which sounds are made by which letters or group of letters and how these join to form words. It is a key tool in children being able to read independently. The teaching of phonics begins with recognising different sounds in the Children’s Centre and Nursery. Daily phonics sessions continue throughout Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 and into Year 3 for those children who need it.