Developing a Love of Reading at Trinity
Research specifically shows that the benefits of reading are more likely to be felt when reading takes place through free choice. The outcomes of reading will occur more often and more strongly if reading is enjoyable in the first instance. This is why the 'for pleasure' element of reading for pleasure is so important. Reading is not something that children should do in school; it needs to be an everyday part of our lives, something we choose to do at all ages. At Trinity Primary School we want to build a culture of reading for enjoyment that will develop a lifelong love of reading which could benefit children in so many ways. We recognise that reading for pleasure will encourage children to succeed both academically and socially.
At Trinity Primary we are all passionate to make a difference and promote this love of reading. We aim to empower children to explore the multitude of worlds beyond their own world. So how do we do this? First of all we aim to create a whole school ethos, so that EVERYONE loves reading. Here are some of the things we do:
1. Class reading time
Reading to the class remains a priority. Everyday, every class are read to by their teacher during a set time.
2. Involving the community
At Trinity we love to involve our parents and parishioners. We aim to support parents with tips and techniques for helping children develop reading, comprehension skills and a love of reading.
We send reading books home which not only can be read to parents but books which parents can read to their children, so that stories can be enjoyed together. A comprehensive recommended book list can be found on our website.
Our school has strong links with our local library. We have found that authors visiting the school can inspire children to read books they might not previously have considered – and engage them with writing, too. We work closely with Get Suffolk Reading and enjoy joint projects.
3. Book donations/ Book Swaps
Throughout the year we have events whereby children can swap books. If children can see a book they have brought in or recommended on the bookshelves or being enjoyed by their peers, it can really help them to appreciate the value of the enjoyment of books. We have been grateful to receive money from The Friends of Trinity to replenish some of our bookshelves.
4. World Book Day or other reading events:
Like other schools around the world, we too celebrate World Book Day! The children enjoy coming onto school dressed as their favourite character and we truly celebrate books that day. Staff have fun dressing up too! Such an event can give children a real reason for understanding characters, expressing preferences, talking about books they have enjoyed and hearing about books from their peers that they might not otherwise have chosen to read. And perhaps, most importantly, it enables them to see the power of a shared love of reading.
5. Our Community Library:
Please feel free to use our community library located just outside the kitchen. There are adult books, KS1 and KS2 children's books and some suitable for toddlers. You can take one and then maybe swap it for another when you have finished.
6. A reading environment
The EYFS and KS1 classrooms all have clearly thought out reading corners and much emphasis has been placed on not only how they look, but how accessible, welcoming they are and stocked up with good quality, appropriate books. Sometimes less is best! KS2 enjoy w mindfulness corner where books can be read.
We have a large library, with pupils in year 4, 5 and 6 being able to take on the role of a librarian if they choose.
Follow this link for suggested books that your child/ren might enjoy:
https://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/category/reading-lists-for-ks1-school-pupils/