Literacy
At St Luke's, we prioritise literacy across the curriculum through a range of targeted strategies and initiatives, including:
- tailored phonics and spelling instruction using the Read, Write Inc. programme
- integration of comprehension exercises linked to topics of study
- reading fluency approaches
- completing reading logs through 1:1 and guided reading sessions
- setting tasks through the Reading Eggs programme
- explicit vocabulary teaching with keywords in every lesson
- developing oracy through high-quality classroom talk
- providing opportunities for writing across all units of study
- modelling writing appropriate to learners' stage of development
Every learner receives the opportunity to read texts related thematically to topics of study. This approach is explicit in the Lower and Middle Schools where thematic curriculum approaches enable learners to immerse themselves fully in a topic. Upon entering the Upper School, learners make broad connections across a wider range of units of study. An emphasis is placed on functional text types and skills, such as transactional or non-fiction writing. At all stages, learners engage with literary heritage texts appropriate to their developmental phase.
Across the School, there is an emphasis on fit-for-purpose assessment, such as:
- StAPPS literacy assessments to monitor incremental progress and provide clear next steps
- Star Reading - standardised tests to inform reading age
- HAST2 and Vernon spelling tests
- independent writing tasks
- Entry Level summative exams
- speaking and listening certification
Reading at Home - the young person's banded reading books
Supporting your child with reading
Although your child will be taught to read at school, you can have a huge impact on their reading journey by continuing their practice at home.
There are two types of reading book that your child may bring home:
A reading practice book. This will be at the correct phonic stage for your child. They should be able to read this fluently and independently.
A sharing book. Your child will not be able to read this on their own. This book is for you both to read and enjoy together.
Reading practice book
This book has been carefully matched to your child’s current reading level. If your child is reading it with little help, please don’t worry that it’s too easy – your child needs to develop fluency and confidence in reading.
Listen to them read the book. Remember to give them lots of praise – celebrate their success! If they can’t read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together.
Sharing book
In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The sharing book is a book they have chosen for you to enjoy together.
Please remember that you shouldn’t expect your child to read this alone. Read it to or with them. Discuss the pictures, enjoy the story, predict what might happen next, use different voices for the characters, explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun!
REFERENCE for matching our phonics programme to the Reading Book band colours.
|
Read Write Inc. Stage |
Reading Book Band Colour |
Words |
|
Learning individual sounds and blending |
Lilac |
0 |
|
Pink |
Under 25 |
|
|
Ditty |
Red |
25 – 45 |
|
Green |
Yellow |
80 – 120 |
|
Purple |
Blue |
100 – 200 |
|
Pink |
Green |
200 – 300 |
|
Orange |
Orange |
300 – 450 |
|
Yellow |
Turquoise |
450 – 600 |
|
Blue |
Purple |
600 – 850 |
|
Grey |
Gold |
850 – 1100 |
|
|
White |
1100 – 1500 |
|
Lime |
1500 – 2000 |
|
|
Brown |
Over 2000 |
|
|
Grey |
|
|
|
Dark Blue |
||
|
Dark Red |
||
|
Black |