At Whiteheath Junior School we value the teaching of reading very highly; learning to read is one of the keys to independence in learning. Children who read for enjoyment every day develop a broader vocabulary, increased general knowledge and a better understanding of other cultures.

We believe the most important factors in learning to read are: enjoyment, understanding, confidence, independence and fluency. We aim to promote a lifelong love of reading. In order to do this, children are encouraged to read a wide variety of genres during their time here. They have access to reading materials through a well-resourced library as well as books in class and books at home which all provide a reading rich environment. Our children will be both independent and reflective readers who can read fluently and for meaning.

Children use a variety of reading skills from early synthetic phonics to decoding and skimming to enable them to access all other areas of learning. As children’s reading develops at different rates, teaching is tailored to each child. Children read daily in the classroom either though individual reading or whole class reading.  

Whole Class Reading

Whole class reading is taught in the children's classes three times per week for half an hour. During these sessions, children read texts from a range of fiction and non-fiction texts. Whole class reading sessions focus on teaching reading skills, such as retrieval and inference. 

Adults hear their children read regularly, either through whole-class reading sessions, 1:1 reading sessions or weekly library sessions. 

Reading Books

Each child has a reading book which they are expected to read at home. We use the online Collins Big Cat system to issue children with a reading book on the appropriate level. More information on our reading book system can be found on the 'How to Support Your Child' tab at the bottom of this page. 

Of course, we recognise some children find it easier to read books in their traditional paper format, so these are available for the children too - please ask your child's class teacher if you would prefer a hard copy of your child's reading book. 

Class Books

We recognise the importance of reading to children, for enjoyment, for building a shared passion for favourite books and as a way of introducing new vocabulary and developing an understanding of story structure.  Teachers plan at least one daily session of reading their class book to the children - teachers choose their class book based on what they think their current class will enjoy! 

Library Visits 

Each week, every class visits our library for half an hour, where children have the opportunity to change their library book and read with their class teacher. 

Please visit our Video Gallery to hear our children share their work on 'The Tin Forest' - a book which was shared with one of our international school partners.