Reading Book Information - Stafford Leys Primary School

Reading book information and suggestions for supporting your child with reading at each stage

Our reading book organisation is indicated on books by the sticker colour on the side. The colour of the spine varies between publishers. Most of our reading scheme books come from Oxford Reading Tree. The phonic book groups system is used nation wide and any scheme can fit into it. The picture below shows how the book bands match the Oxford Reading Tree (ORT Stage).

Reading book and phonics book groups are intended to support each child as a reader, and enable teachers to carefully check what each child can do and what their next steps are. They should not be used to make comparisons between children; nor is it a race to ‘get to the end’.

Because we want our children to love reading, we reward them for the amount of reading they do, rather than the category or group from which they are choosing. Children should read at home as frequently as possible, and the adult to whom they read should sign the reading record each time.

We all know how vitally important it is for children to read and be read to at home. Equally, we know how difficult it can be to know how to help. Below, you will find ideas for supporting your child’s reading, whatever reading book group they are choosing from. Many thanks for all of your support.

Things to Remember

Try to hear your child read every day or read to them.
Little and often is more beneficial than a long session once a week.
Think about how long you are reading for – the amount of reading time shouldn’t exceed your child’s span of attention.
Pick your timing carefully – it’s best not to embark on a reading session when your child is tired.
Every child is an individual – try not to compare your child’s progress with other children or with brothers and sisters.

“Parents can instil a love of reading long before a child goes to school and deepen that love of reading as the child grows up.” Enjoy reading with your child and help them become lifelong readers.

Remember: If you have any questions, concerns or celebrations at any stage of your child’s reading development, please speak to their class teacher. There’s lots more information in your child’s reading diary.