Reading Fluency at Lindsworth School

As children reach secondary school they face more complex texts and subject matter, making strong reading abilities even more important. Reading is an vital skill that serves as an underpinning for academic success as well as personal growth. Throughout our curriculum there is an emphasis on teaching reading skills explicitly, irrelevant of the subject or key stage, where teachers actively ensure students’ understanding of words and texts through strategies/ resources like Reciprocal Reading and the Frayer Model.

Why is Reading Fluency important?

Reading exposes students to a wide range of vocabulary, enhancing their understanding and communication skills. A broader vocabulary empowers students to express their thoughts with precision and fluency, both in writing and in verbal discussions.

Through reading, students are exposed to diverse characters and experiences, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence. This exposure helps them better understand others, develop interpersonal skills, and navigate social complexities more effectively.

Reading encourages critical thinking and analytical abilities. By engaging with diverse perspectives and encountering different genres, students develop their capacity to evaluate information, think critically and form well-reasoned opinions.

Capable reading skills are directly linked to improved academic performance across all subjects. The ability to comprehend complex texts enables students to grasp concepts, analyse information and express themselves effectively in written form.

What do others say about reading? 

Maya Angelou / memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist:

"When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young."

George R R Martin / novelist and screenwriter:

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one.”  

Dr Seuss / author and professional cartoonist:

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places you’ll go.” 

Walt Disney / animation film producer and entrepreneur:

 “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”

Neil Gaiman / writer:

"Read. Read anything. Read the things they say are good for you, and the things they claim are junk. You'll find what you need to find. Just read."

Timothy Rasinski / professor and company director

“Reading enables children to not only learn across the curriculum but also to access numerous aspects of daily life, influencing the opportunities that they have available to them in the future.”

How can you help at home with improving reading skills?

Variety: Allow children to read things they enjoy, for example magazines, newspapers, or non-fiction style texts like: Guinness World Records Fact books – if it’s reading for pleasure, its great and doesn’t have to be a novel!

Routine: Set aside a specific time for reading each day, creating a consistent and enjoyable reading routine. This can be before bedtime or during a quiet period when everyone can relax and immerse themselves in a good book. Sometimes this could be as simple as activating subtitles when watching television so that children can read whilst they watch!

Shared Reading: Take turns reading aloud with your child. This not only strengthens their reading skills but also provides an opportunity for discussion and bonding. Ask questions about the story, characters, and their opinions to enhance comprehension.

Environment: Designate a comfortable area with good lighting, and a variety of age-appropriate reading materials. Encourage your child to explore different genres and text types to help them to discover their interests.

Phonics: Phonics is a crucial aspect of reading development. Help your child understand phonemes (individual sounds); practice blending sounds together and segmenting words into individual sounds (please see the following table). Encourage them to decode unfamiliar words independently.

Technology: Take advantage of digital resources, such as kindles (or the Kindle app), e-books and educational apps, to make reading more interactive and engaging. Many online platforms offer audiobooks and interactive reading experiences that can captivate secondary school children. YouTube offers a large range of audiobooks for free which will support students with being exposed to a large range of vocabulary!

Conversations: Encourage your child to share what they have read at school or what they are currently reading in their own time (this can include magazine and newspapers), get them to share their personal thoughts and opinions on topics. These discussions promote deeper understanding, critical thinking, and active engagement with the text.

Libraries: Visits to libraries and bookstores expose children to a vast array of books, fostering a love for reading. Encourage them to choose books that captivate their interest and challenge their reading abilities. Some libraries local to Lindsworth School include:

Reading Fluency plays a vital role in the academic and personal development of all children. By recognising the significance of reading and implementing the tips and recommendations provided, parents, guardians and carers can support their children in becoming confident, enthusiastic readers