All children take a reading book home every day so that adults can hear them read. These books are carefully selected so that children are reading books which challenge them at the level they are working at. We encourage our parents to make a comment in their child’s Home Reading Record, so that their teachers can see what children have been reading at home.
We have also invested in the Oxford Reading Buddy reading application, which can be accessed on smart ‘phones, laptops and tablets. Each child has their own personal log on, where they have access to hundreds of challenging and exciting books. At the end of each text, children are asked questions to test their understanding of what they have read. They are supported through the book by their Reading Buddy, who directs them to clues in the text when they get stuck. Teachers are able to monitor pupil’s engagement with the application and identify areas where the children are struggling, which helps teachers to address these challenges in class.
How can I support my child’s reading at home?
There are many different ways you can support your child’s reading at home, including buying them their own books, visits to the library, and talking to them about the books they bring home.
The most important thing you need to do, is sit for at least five minutes a day with your child and listen to them read. It is an expectation at Westbourne Primary School that all parents spend at least five minutes every day listening to their child read a book.
When listening to your child read, you can ask them many different questions about the book in any language. It is the talking and the interaction that is important.
What is the home reading record used for?
Staff will fill this in every time they listen to your child read. It is expected that parents put the date, book title, and sign the home reading record when you read with them every day. You can also make comments in the comments section if you like.
What questions can I ask my child when they are reading?
The home reading record has lots of different questions you can ask your child, but below are some examples:
- What has happened in the story?
- Who is in the story? How do you think they are feeling? What do they want to do?
- What do you think will happen next? Why do you think that’s what will happen?
- What does this word mean? Why do you think the author chose that word?
- Where is the story set?
Please watch our short video which shows how you could support your child with reading at home
