Reading at Home and in School
Reading at home is a wonderful way to nurture a child’s love for books and learning. Here are some tips to make it enjoyable:
- Create a Cosy Reading Space: Set up a special nook with comfortable seating, good lighting, and easy access to books.
- Choose Engaging Books: Select age-appropriate and captivating stories. Picture books for younger children and chapter books for older kids can spark their imagination.
- Make it Interactive: Ask questions about the story, encourage predictions, or act out scenes to make reading more dynamic.
- Set a Routine: Incorporate reading time into daily routines, like bedtime or after dinner, to establish a habit.
- Visit Libraries: Regular trips to the library can expose kids to a variety of genres and authors.
- Read Together: Share reading time, whether it’s reading aloud or taking turns. It fosters bonding and discussion.
- Follow Their Interests: Let children choose books that excite them, even if they’re not the most “educational.” This encourages a love for reading.
- Incorporate Technology: Use audiobooks or e-readers if that’s what engages them.
- Book Clubs: Encourage them to start a mini book club with friends or family to discuss what they’re reading.
- Diverse Genres: Introduce a variety of genres—fantasy, adventure, mystery, non-fiction—to keep their interest alive.
Reading at Ocean Academy
At Ocean Academy, reading is a fundamental part of the learning experience, and we ensure that children have regular access to books through a structured program. Each child takes home reading books that parents can log on Boom Reader, our online reading record, fostering engagement and accountability. For students participating in Rapid Phonics or Rapid Read interventions, a copy of their book is also sent home to reinforce their learning. As children develop into confident, fluent readers with a Reading Age of 7+, they gain the exciting privilege of selecting their own books from our library, empowering them to explore their interests. Our library offers a diverse range of genres, and dedicated adults guide students to choose age-appropriate materials, ensuring that every child can enjoy a rich and enjoyable reading experience that supports their growth and comprehension skills.
At our school, we are committed to fostering a deep love for reading among our students through a variety of engaging programs and initiatives. Central to this effort is our book club, where students can come together in year groups to explore literature that piques their interest. This club provides a platform for students to choose their own books, allowing for personal connection and ownership of their reading journey. Meetings are held weekly on a Tuesday lunchtime, creating an opportunity for lively discussions, sharing insights, and discovering new perspectives.
Classroom libraries play a pivotal role in this initiative, as they offer a diverse array of books that reflect the interests and backgrounds of our students. Each library is curated with student input, ensuring that every reader can find something that resonates with them.
Storytime in our classrooms is another cherished tradition that highlights student choice. During designated storytime sessions, students are encouraged to select books they love, fostering a sense of pride and enthusiasm in sharing their favourites with peers.
Throughout the year, we celebrate reading with special events and themed days, including National Poetry Day and World Music Day. During National Poetry Day, students can participate in poetry readings, sharing both classic and original works, while our World Music Day encourages exploration of song lyrics, allowing students to analyse their meanings and even create their own lyrics inspired by their readings. Our first annual book fair is planned for Summer 25 hopefully serving as a highlight of the school year, with student librarians helping to promote and manage the events.
World Book Day offers a vibrant opportunity to celebrate reading through a variety of engaging activities that
ignites our students’ imaginations. One of the highlights is the Book Character Dress-Up Day, where students and staff come dressed as their favourite literary characters, fostering creativity and sparking conversations about diverse stories. A unique feature of the day is the Class Teacher Swap, where teachers exchange classes, sharing their favourite books and engaging students in new genres and discussions. This dynamic atmosphere, filled with collaborative reading projects and storytime sessions, creates a community celebration that nurtures a lifelong love for reading while making World Book Day a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Our student leadership team plays a crucial role in promoting reading across Ocean Academy. Elected within each class, our student librarians take on responsibilities that include organising book drives, facilitating book clubs, and spearheading reading challenges. Their leadership not only fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility but also inspires their peers to engage with literature in meaningful ways.
By integrating these various elements—book clubs, classroom libraries, interactive storytimes, and celebratory events—we aim to cultivate a vibrant reading culture at Ocean Academy. This comprehensive approach not only encourages students to develop their reading skills but also instils a lifelong love of literature that will serve them well beyond their school years. Through collaboration, creativity, and community engagement, we are dedicated to making reading an enjoyable and integral part of our students’ lives.
Phonics support
In school, we use Rapid Phonics as a synthetic phonics scheme to support with reading.