Intent

At LAPW, we are committed to fostering a lifelong love of reading in all our children. We believe reading is a fundamental skill that empowers children to access knowledge, develop critical thinking, and engage with the world around them. We are committed to developing a love of reading in all children, promoting English as a joyful and meaningful experience.

Through an inquiry-based approach, we aim to develop confident, engaged, and critical readers who develop strong foundational English skills by providing them with explicit instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, ensuring all children have the tools necessary to decode and understand text. We will cultivate a deep understanding of diverse texts by exposing all children to a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and digital texts, reflecting diverse perspectives and cultures, and aligning with the PYP transdisciplinary themes.

We will encourage children to make connections, ask questions, and think critically about the texts they read, developing their ability to analyse, evaluate, and synthesise information. We aim to create a stimulating and supportive reading environment that celebrates reading as a source of enjoyment, knowledge, and inspiration so that the children have a genuine appreciation of reading.

We will integrate reading into all areas of the curriculum, enabling children to access and process information, and to develop their understanding of the world around them, within the context of the Units of Inquiry. We will also provide many opportunities for children to share, discuss, write about, and present their understandings of what they have read. Reading to explore different cultures, perspectives, and global issues will happen regularly through our Units of Inquiry.

Implementation

Our approach to reading is rooted in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) philosophy, fostering lifelong learners who are knowledgeable, inquiring, and caring.

Reading is integrated into all areas of the curriculum, supporting the transdisciplinary themes of the PYP. Children are encouraged to ask questions, explore diverse texts, and make connections to their own experiences and the world. Teachers facilitate this through shared reading and independent reading activities that encourage critical analysis and reflection. Core texts are purposefully chosen to actively engage the children and ensure challenge.

We recognise that children learn at different paces and have diverse needs. Reading instruction is adapted to meet individual childrens’ needs, providing appropriate challenges and support where appropriate. A variety of reading materials are provided, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and multimedia resources, reflecting diverse cultures and perspectives. We provide targeted support for children who require additional assistance, ensuring equitable access to English development including systematically developing essential reading skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Explicit instruction is provided in decoding strategies, comprehension strategies (e.g., predicting, summarising, questioning), and vocabulary development. Children are encouraged to use a variety of reading strategies and monitor their own comprehension.

We create a rich and stimulating reading environment, with access to a well-stocked library and Inquiry Hub which children are encouraged to use when they need it. Reading is celebrated through events such as book weeks, author visits, and reading challenges. We also celebrate reading achievements with certificates in assemblies and Reading Suitcases that go home. Children are given opportunities to share their reading experiences through book talks, presentations, and creative projects. We encourage families to support their children's reading development at home, fostering a strong home-academy partnership.

Reading skills are reinforced across all subject areas. Children use reading to research, gather information, and communicate their learning within their inquiries. Teachers collaborate with other colleagues and children to ensure that reading instruction is aligned with the PYP curriculum and the children’s interests. Children are given choices in their reading materials, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement. Opportunities are provided for children to engage in collaborative reading activities, promoting peer learning and discussion. Children’s voice is valued in the selection of reading resources and the design of reading activities.

Ongoing formative and summative assessments are used to monitor children’s progress and inform future planning. Children are encouraged to reflect on their own reading development and set personal reading goals. We use a variety of assessment tools, including comprehension assessments and children’s self-assessments. Teachers maintain records of children’s progress, including what has been read and how much, and adjust teaching accordingly.

This implementation statement will be regularly reviewed and revised to ensure that our reading program continues to meet the needs of all children and reflects best practices, while maintaining full alignment with the PYP framework.

Impact

Our reading program, aligned with the PYP philosophy, cultivates curious, knowledgeable, and caring young learners who develop a love of reading through exposure to diverse genres, engaging texts, and interactive storytelling. Children discover the joy and power of reading, fostering a lifelong appreciation for literature and information. They become critical thinkers and communicators and learn to analyse texts, make connections, and express their understanding through various mediums. They explore different perspectives and develop their ability to articulate their own ideas effectively.

At LAPW, reading becomes a tool for inquiry, enabling children to explore transdisciplinary themes and deepen their understanding of the world around them. They learn to research, gather information, and make informed conclusions. Our program focuses on building foundational literacy skills, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, ensuring children are equipped with the tools necessary for academic success. Children are encouraged to reflect on their learning journey, set goals, and take ownership of their reading development. They learn to collaborate, share ideas, and respect diverse interpretations.

Through reading, children develop the Learner Profile Attributes, such as being knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, and caring individuals. They learn to be open-minded, balanced, and principled in their approach to learning and life. Children explore how reading connects to their own lives and the wider community, fostering a sense of global citizenship and understanding.

Ultimately, our reading program empowers children to become confident, engaged, and responsible learners who are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.

What we do at LAPW...

Here at LAPW, reading is at the heart of our curriculum, and we use a variety of engaging tools and strategies to foster a love of books and build strong literacy skills. We celebrate our keen readers in assembly with our Reading Suitcases, a special way to highlight and share the achievements of children who have truly impressed us with their reading progress and enthusiasm. For those deep dives into fascinating inquiries, our Inquiry Hub provides a rich collection of resources to support independent research. We also tap into the vibrant storytelling and visual resources of Literacy Shed to spark imagination and comprehension. To support every child, the Read&Write Toolbar offers fantastic accessibility features, helping all learners engage confidently with text. And finally, our teachers utilise TeachMateAI to personalise learning and identify areas where children might need a little extra support or a new challenge in their reading journey.

Reading at Home With Your Child (1).pdf

Reading at Home

Reading at home is very important because it helps you become an even better reader! When you read more, you learn new words, discover exciting stories, and understand the world around you.

Parents can help by finding a quiet time to read together, even if it's just for a little while each day. You can take turns reading pages, talk about the pictures, and ask questions about the story. Making reading fun helps you grow into a confident and amazing reader!

Click on the picture to the left to find out more ways to help your child read more at home.

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