Gemma Smith, Headteacher at Orsett Church of England Primary School near Thurrock, recently wrote a piece for The Headteacher magazine about how the school’s focus on phonics helps its pupils develop a love of reading from a young age.
Through regular meetings with the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), they developed a flexible reading curriculum that helps break down the barriers obstructing children from reading with fluency, such as speech and language needs or issues with self-confidence.
Orsett helps to nurture a love for reading with a variety of fun and innovative initiatives. This includes a HITT style Phonics Boot Camp and Bug Club, an online platform that parents can use to engage their child in reading from home. The school has also installed a full-size Doctor Who TARDIS in its library, where children are encouraged to come together and read in a welcoming environment.
Mrs Smith discusses the important role that staff play in fostering a passion for reading in younger pupils, as teachers regularly discuss the books they have read with the children to introduce them to a range of different and exciting texts.
Gemma Smith’s article about learning to read fluently using phonics can be read on The Headteacher website.
JOHN 15:5
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Prayer for the Week – w/c 2nd May