Why literacy s important
At The Henry Beaufort School, we are keen to promote the importance of excellent literacy skills and increasing our students’ confidence in developing these vital skills. Being literate is the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that allows us to communicate effectively and make sense of the world. Lacking vital literacy skills holds a person back at every stage of their life, therefore it is crucial that out students learn and value the importance of possessing good literacy skills.
A cross-curricular approach
Teachers in all subjects work together to promote literacy skills using a common language. In all subjects, students are encouraged to use our reading strategies document to support reading, writing and speaking and listening activities, all with the aim of boosting students’ confidence in these fields.
Designated tutor time
Once a fortnight during tutor time on a Thursday (Week B), students have the opportunity to develop a ‘love for reading’ and engage positively with reading for enjoyment tasks.
Competitions
At The Henry Beaufort School we encourage pupils to participate in literary competitions, including The Young Writers Award.
Is your child a reluctant reader?
Students also have access to an online audio and e-book resource through their school log-in called SORA where they can listen to, and read from, hundreds of novels both fiction and non-fiction.
SORA READING APP
Literacy Support Beyond the Classroom
If you would like to support your child with their literacy skills beyond the classroom, here are two fantastic resources to help support your child and develop their skills at home.
If you have any further questions about literacy in school or further supporting your child, please do not hesitate to contact our Literacy Lead – Mrs Fradley.
Turn on the subtitles on the television!
As strange as it may seem, it will help children learn how to say words, help them understand how to use complex vocabulary in the correct context and improve their reading speed.
Tip 2: Encourage them to ask if they don’t understand a word.
We as educators often use a dictionary / the internet / try to figure out the meaning of words in school based on our prior knowledge – modelling this with children will encourage them to do the same.
Tip 3: Read with them.
This could be their library book, a newspaper, an online resource, a magazine, a recipe – any reading where they are reading aloud to you will improve their confidence. You could read aloud to them as well. Then talk about what you have read. It could be for 10 minutes every day; it could be for 30 minutes once a week. Positive interactions with reading will improve their confidence and reduce reluctance.
Want to find out more?
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