At Falcon, we use Accelerated Reader across the school to support the children in becoming confident, fluid readers, who read daily in school, and receive the support and encouragement needed to ensure they reach their full potential. Children complete a quiz for each book they read to check their understanding of the text. Quizzes are monitored to ensure the children are reading books at the correct level and for each quiz passed the words are added to a running total for the year. Children are rewarded for reaching 1,000,000 words and we already have several words millionaires! As a school devoted to promoting a love for reading, we have also enjoyed visits from authors, book fairs, fancy dress World Book Days and more!
Reading is taught through daily English lessons and "Reading as a Reader" through our Talk for Writing approach, which uses model texts pitched at a challenging level and builds vocabulary, grammar and reading skills. Additionally, Guided Reading sessions are timetabled for every class on a weekly basis with daily Accelerated Reader sessions for independent reading and book quizzing.
At Falcon, we also adopt the DEAR approach (Drop Everything and Read) to instil a love of reading through providing an opportunity for the children to share books they have enjoyed in order to motivate and encourage others to widen their reading choices. During these times, teachers will also share books and read stories to the children.
By the time children leave Falcon, we want them to have developed a love of reading for pleasure, having been exposed to a wide range of challenging books and genres. We want them to be confident, fluent readers who are inspired to continue their passion for books and reading as they move through their education and into adulthood.