Reading at Mount Nod

Reading is at the heart of everything we do at Mount Nod. It is the key to
understanding the world around us and prepares us for life. Our goal is to
enable our pupils to read confidently, accurately, fluently and with
understanding. We encourage an interest in words and their meanings
ensuring that new vocabulary is taught across the curriculum

Reading Scheme

At Mount Nod, we follow the Oxford Reading Scheme, which is organised into colour bands. These bands allow children to make a guided choice when reading, choosing books appropriate to their ability. Children read to teachers and other adults regularly in school and we have a growing and supportive team of parent/ carer volunteers who come in to support with this.

At the beginning of each year, they are provided with training to enable them to use a range of reading strategies with the children. Our teachers also understand the importance of being reading role models and share their own reading choices with the children in their class.

Reading opportunities

We give the children many opportunities to read throughout the day. Reading is highlighted and applied in every area of the curriculum. The children also participate in whole-class reading comprehension activities, and independent reading sessions to practise skills, and story time is an important and enjoyable part of each day.

Some year groups have the opportunity to take part in our Reading Gladiators reading groups. Our Year 6 children also share books with their 'buddies' in Reception.

We enjoy taking part in national reading events, such as World Book Day and organise book fairs to promote a love of reading for enjoyment.

Parental support

At Mount Nod, we understand the important role parents play in fostering a lifelong love of reading in our children. The more frequently parents and children can talk, play games and read together, the more successful they will be in later life.

During the year we organise Reading Workshops for parents which provide information, ideas & resources.

Special Educational Needs

Pupils with Special Educational Needs follow the same curriculum as their peers. Where appropriate this may be adapted or differentiated. Children who make slower progress with reading are heard to read more frequently throughout the week. We have addressed the needs of our Dyslexic children by providing training for teaching staff and developing Dyslexia friendly strategies within the classroom. Children who need additional help can access support through structured, multi-sensory activities.

Click here to see how you can help your child with reading at home.

Please click here to find lots of information about reading with your child including recommended reads for each age group. When you open the link, click on 'Milestones' for the age group you would like.

Our Library

Mount Nod is proud of its well-stocked library where all children can choose a book to take home.

The library is a cosy and inviting place for classes to share a story and a great place for children to do their own research. Children are able to access the library independently at lunchtimes.

We are also proud to have links with Tile Hill library.

Our Reading Partners

Mount Nod values support from members of the local community.

Our Reading Partners scheme trains parents and community members to read with children, from which they quickly build a relationship that has a positive impact through the fun and worthwhile experience of sharing a book together. Any parent that wishes to be involved should contact the school.

Phonics

We have recently invested in the new FFT Success For All Phonics Scheme. This is a complete systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) programme that has been validated by the Department for Education and supports children to learn all the skills needed to successfully read, write and spell.

Each day, the children spend time revisiting phonemes and graphemes, to ensure they consolidate their learning before new content is introduced through teacher-led activities designed to help them blend, segment and read words and then sentences. They also learn the alphabet and how to write letters in upper and lower case before beginning to write simple words and sentences. Additionally, they have daily opportunities to apply their learning by reading beautifully written books, in a Shared Reader lesson, whilst also discussing the text to develop their comprehension skills.

Click here for further information about FFT Success For All Phonics Scheme

At the end of Year 1, the children’s knowledge is assessed using the National Phonics Check. This tests their ability to read a range of Real and Nonsense words. Those children who did not pass their Year 1 phonics check will be able to retake the test at the end of Year 2.

Year 1 parents are invited to a Phonics information meeting during the Autumn term. During this meeting, we share information about the Phonics check, how we teach phonics in school and how you could further support your child’s learning at home.

From Year 2 onwards, children continue to work on their phonics knowledge and begin to focus on segmenting for spelling, spelling rules and strategies using our Spelling Shed Spelling Scheme.