Reading is an incredibly important skill which is the foundation for children’s learning throughout their time at Poppleton Road. We are committed to children being fluent, confident readers and support is given on an individual, paired, group and whole class basis. Our children begin their reading journey with us through Twinkl Phonics scheme in the Reception. They receive daily phonics sessions from Reception to Year 2, and are regularly assessed and grouped so that each pupil is supported and challenged at an appropriate level for their ability. Children’s phonics ability is carefully matched to fully decodable Rhino Reader text which consolidates sound that they have learnt previously.

Whilst children are still learning to decode (at word-reading level), it is essential that they are taught comprehension skills too. At Poppleton Road, each year group receives whole-class reading lessons where a range of literature is discussed, dissected and explored. High-level, engaging texts are presented to the children and lively sessions promote the importance of reading for pleasure.

To provide children with a breadth of reading opportunities we use a range of reading texts and text progression maps out different genres to ensure a wide range and exposure. We ensure that fiction and non-fiction texts are linked and that these reading experiences lead directly to writing outcomes.

We are extremely lucky to have our fantastic library, which every class from Reception to Year 6 visit regularly to share stories and borrow books from our well-stocked shelves. Home reading books are carefully matched to reading ability and we offer children access to online reading and phonics resources such as Twinkl Go!

The children’s love for reading is celebrated in school and at home through rewards and prizes.

Quality Texts are chosen to read with certain criteria in mind. These texts have been chosen to engage readers and widen experiences.

The vocabulary, usage, syntax and context for cultural reference of texts over 50 or 100 years old are vastly different and typically more complex than texts written today. Students need to be exposed to and develop proficiency with antiquated forms of expression.

In passages written exclusively for students—or more specifically for student assessments— time tends to unfold with consistency. A story is narrated in a given style with a given cadence and that cadence endures and remains consistent, but in the best books, books where every aspect of the narration is nuanced to create an exact image, time moves in fits and start. It doubles back. The only way to master such books is to have read them time and again and to be carefully introduced to them by a thoughtful teacher or parent.

Books are sometimes narrated by an unreliable narrator- Scout, for example, who doesn’t understand and misperceives some of what happened to her. Or the narrator in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” who is a madman out of touch with reality. Other books have multiple narrators such as Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying. Others have non-human narrators such as the horse that tells the story in Black Beauty. Some books have multiple intertwined and apparently (for a time) unrelated plot lines. These are far harder to read than books with a single plot line and students need to experience these as well.

Texts which happen on an allegorical or symbolic level. Not reflected in Lexile’s; critical forms of text complexity that students must experience.

Texts written to deliberately resist easy meaning-making by readers. Perhaps half of the poems ever written fall into this category. You have to assemble meaning around nuances, hints, uncertainties and clues

Throughout the year, a range of activities to develop ‘Reading for Pleasure’ take place including World Book Day, assemblies, Book Fair, reading competitions and displays in the library and corridors.

Quality Text Overview 2024 – 2025 

Quality Text Overview 2024- 2025

Reading for Pleasure

At Poppleton Road School, we know that children who read will do well at school and beyond. We aim to develop a positive attitude towards reading and to foster a love of books through our enthusiastic reading culture.

Reading for pleasure opens new worlds for children. It gives them the opportunity to use their imagination to explore new ideas, visit new places and meet new characters.

Reading for pleasure also improves children’s well-being and empathy. It helps them to understand their own identity and gives them an insight into the world and the views of others.

Research shows that reading for pleasure can be directly linked to children’s success throughout their time at school and even into adulthood.

Home reading

We encourage children to read not only at school, but beyond the school gates too: at home, in the park, on holiday and anywhere in between.

We really urge you to encourage your child to keep up with all the brilliant reading they have been doing while at school. Every child brings home weekly reading books and can access online books using Twinkl Go or Bugclub.

There are numerous ways to access books and other reading resources, from our local Acomb library to online audio books. If you need any ideas for books, there are reading book lists for each age group below

Reading Rewards!

Don’t forget if you chid reads 3 times or more per week then they will receive reading token and will be entered into our prize box. The children they have the chance to pick a prize from our reading trolley!

Daily Reading in Class

Daily Class Storytime/DEAR is an important part of our timetable. During these sessions the teacher will model reading with their class using books chosen from our Recommended Reads. There are over 80 books that make up this Reading Spine and during their time at Poppy Road these books will be shared with the children. Our book list has been developed to capture children’s imagination, support vocabulary development, and to expose children to a more rich and varied text selection. The Reading Spine provides a clear progression from Foundation Stage through to Year 6 and we believe it reinforces a true love of reading.

Reading Progression