English
There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island.
Reading
Reading for Pleasure is at the heart of our approach to reading. We aim to create a culture where children not only develop the skills to read but also experience the joy of exploring different stories, authors, and genres. Our school is dedicated to providing children with a wide range of high-quality texts, from classic literature to modern favourites, that inspire and nurture a lifelong love of reading.
To support reading development, we:
- Provide regular opportunities for independent reading, allowing children to explore books of their own choosing.
- Incorporate daily class reading sessions, where teachers model expressive and engaging reading aloud.
- Encourage children to take part in our Reading Café and school library to discover new books.
- Engage children in author visits, book fairs, and reading challenges that promote enthusiasm for reading.
Our school also uses Little Wandle Letters and Sounds to ensure that early readers develop strong phonics skills and can decode words confidently and fluently.
Writing
At Burgh by Sands School, we use the Talk for Writing approach, a highly effective method that supports children in becoming skilled, enthusiastic writers. Talk for Writing allows children to imitate the language they need, innovate on existing stories, and finally create their own unique pieces of writing.
How Talk for Writing works:
- Imitation: Children learn model texts by heart through oral storytelling, building their understanding of key language patterns and structures.
- Innovation: They adapt these stories, making changes and adding their own ideas to develop their creativity.
- Invention: Children use what they have learned to write their own stories, non-fiction, or poetry.
This structured approach helps children build confidence and fluency in writing, developing key skills such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary. Our writing lessons inspire children to think creatively and critically while giving them the tools to express themselves with clarity and precision.
Reading and Writing in Action
Our aim is to make reading and writing an enjoyable and integral part of everyday life at school. We regularly:
- Share pupil writing through story displays and school publications.
- Hold writing competitions and projects linked to class topics.
- Link reading and writing through Talk for Writing, ensuring that pupils understand the relationship between the two skills.
By nurturing both the mechanics and the joy of reading and writing, we are committed to helping all children at Burgh by Sands School become confident, creative, and enthusiastic learners.
English Skills Progression in Reading