IMPLEMENTATION

Reading Practice

In Key Stage 1, our Reading Practice sessions - closely linked to our phonics programme - ensure that every child is heard reading at least three times per week, with a clear focus on developing fluency, prosody, and comprehension. These lessons include revisiting key sounds, applying phonics knowledge to decode words, rehearsing tricky words, and reading the text with adult support to build confidence and accuracy. These sessions are directly linked to our phonics programme, Little Wandle. You can find more information about our phonics programme here:

Phonics

Destination Reader

As pupils progress into Key Stage 2, we implement Destination Reader to deepen comprehension and critical thinking. This approach promotes rich discussion, encourages pupils to question and interpret texts, and develops reading stamina through a structured weekly cycle: two days of shared reading of a core text linked to overarching themes and English work, two days of independent reading matched to individual levels, and one ‘Big Picture’ lesson focused on comprehension. Across all stages, vocabulary is taught explicitly to strengthen understanding and equip pupils

with the language needed to engage with increasingly complex texts. Through these strategies, we foster a love of reading while ensuring every child becomes a confident, reflective, and enthusiastic reader.

Enrichment Opportunities

At St. Michael’s, we believe that fostering a love of reading goes beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, we run a variety of engaging events designed to celebrate books and inspire pupils and families alike. These include our popular Bedtime Stories evenings, the Big Book Quiz, Phonics Workshops, and Phonics Booster Clubs, alongside a range of class-led activities that bring stories to life. This year, we are excited to launch Family Reading Cafés, creating a welcoming space for parents and children to enjoy reading together - more information on this initiative will follow soon. In addition, our whole-school library plays a central role in promoting reading for pleasure. Every child visits the library weekly, exploring a wide range of books and selecting one to take home, helping to nurture independence and a lifelong love of reading. Through these opportunities, we aim to strengthen home-school partnerships, promote reading for pleasure, and ensure that every child experiences the joy and community that reading can bring.