We strive to teach the skills of reading to enable children to become confident, fluent readers who read for a source of relaxation and enjoyment as well as using reading as a tool to deepen their knowledge and explore the wider world.

At Oak Tree Primary reading is not a stand alone subject, but is interwoven throughout our Literacy and wider curriculum lessons. Children use well-chosen class novels, extracts and model texts to improve their reading skills and widen their knowledge and vocabulary. A love of reading is extended beyond English lessons: our teachers love reading to their classes and the children continue reading for pleasure at home. Our Library is accessible to all children and children are excited and inspired by the selection of texts they can choose from.

Simple view of reading

Learning to read consists of developing skills in two critical areas:

• Reading each word in texts accurately and fluently
• Comprehending the meaning of texts being read (both listening and reading).

The National Curriculum for Reading

Reading is an integral part of the English curriculum which has an overarching aim to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping children with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

The national curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:

- read easily, fluently and with good understanding

- develop the habit of reading widely and often, both for pleasure and information

- acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language

- appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage

- write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences 

- use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas

- are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.