Library Books and reading books

Library Books

Today your child has brought home a library book in a big transparent folder.  It is not expected that your child can read this book, although there are many books they will be able to read. The aim is to develop a love of books and reading.  If he/she can't read it, then read it to them/with them. Talk about the pictures too. Enjoy the book and the time spent with your child. 
The letter in the library folder says please return the book on Friday so they can choose a new one. However, we have had to make a few changes to the timetables and so for now, they should return the book on Thursday, when they will choose a new one, which they will take home on either Thursday or Friday.

Reading books

For various reasons we will not be able to start the "read, write inc" lessons next week. In the meantime your child will bring home (on Monday) two "Oxford Reading Tree" books. This is a different reading scheme which we use to supplement the RWI scheme, however the reading is not based entirely on phonics, so do not be concerned if your child cannot read all the words in the book. Encourage him/her to use the pictures to help decode the word. Some words (the red words in RWI) are just learned by memory and repetition.
 These books should be returned next Monday, when they will be changed for new books.  If you find that the book is very easy or very difficult for your child, please let me know.

Try to read 15-20 minutes a day with your child. This doesn't just mean that they need to read their book to you every day. Initially with younger children, read the book together, read with them, read a story at bedtime etc. Reading the words from the "read write inc" books (when you get them) is part of the 15-20 minutes reading time. One day, play a game of pairs or bingo with the words from a book. Another day, read to them but mis-read or miss out a word and ask them to correct you.  Some days read in English and other days in Spanish.  But more important than anything, develop a love of reading, it shouldn't be seen as a chore or an obligation.