Literacy
Reading Intent
At Elmsleigh we believe that being able to read and write are the vital skills that enable us to understand and express ourselves more effectively. These skills open the door to learning. We passionately believe in helping children to develop not only the technical skills of reading and writing, but also in engendering a love for literature and the different genres of writing. Our English Curriculum is designed around using high-quality novels which are linked to topic themes and children’s interests.
We believe that all children are entitled to a broad and balanced English curriculum, which is delivered in a way which recognises the varied needs of our children and allows each individual to maximise their learning potential, preparing them for the application of English skills across the whole curriculum. This approach ensures we continue to promote a love of reading, alongside explicitly teaching Reading, Writing and Grammar objectives in line with National Curriculum objectives. Oracy is at the heart of our teaching and learning approaches and we are striving to teach our children how to talk and communicate effectively and articulately. We want pupils to acquire a wide vocabulary, captured through a range of texts and modelled with high quality talk from adults in school. We believe we encourage our children to become readers and writers, to embrace opportunities in a range of contexts with confidence and enthusiasm.
Learn to read – read to learn
Writing Intent
At Elmsleigh, our aim is that all children love English and are excited to read, write and express themselves. In order to achieve this, we follow Talk for Writing (TFW) as a whole school, cumulative and systematic process for the teaching of English. At the heart of Talk for Writing is the principle that schools should increase the amount children read and are read to; a principle that we passionately believe in. Through their time at Elmsleigh, children gradually build their bank of well-known texts, supplemented by picture books, novels, poems and non-fiction books. Gradually, this living library of language begins to equip the children with the words they need to express themselves.
English Progression Maps
Reading for Pleasure
Reading with your child can support them in developing a love of reading. The Open University have come up with guides and videos to support parents with this. Please click on the links for more information.
Book Trusts Great Book Guide 2021
Books for Pre-school and Nursery
Writing Intent
Recommended Websites to support Reading and Writing at home.
National Centre For Children’s Books