English
In English, our main aim is for all children to develop a love of reading and be able to read with fluency and understanding. We also want children to feel confident and enthusiastic about writing and have the necessary skills needed to ensure they have access to future learning. At Lark Hill Primary School, we strive to provide thoroughly engaging experiences for children throughout the school so that they can read, write and speak fluently, communicating their ideas and emotions to others.
Please read these documents which outline our approach to teaching reading and writing.
What does reading at Lark Hill look like?
What does Writing at Lark Hill look like?
Reading
At Lark Hill we encourage all our children to become confident and enthusiastic readers; we actively promote a love of reading. We underpin our English work by establishing a core reading spine of quality fiction, poetry and non-fiction that all children experience and draw upon. Book bag books and library books are taken home to share with parents which supports the children’s reading progress and love of books. Children also have daily dedicated reading time. An appreciation of literature is achieved by ensuring that children are introduced to a wide range of texts. All year groups have dedicated story time built into their time table where well-chosen books are read to the children. Please take a look at our Phonics and Reading page to find out more information on how we teach children to read.
Speaking and Listening
Speaking and Listening skills are equally important and many opportunities are made for children to express themselves effectively and to listen appropriately. We create numerous opportunities for discussion work in a variety of group situations and give opportunities of expression through drama.
Drama provides an ideal opportunity for children to engage in role-play and to learn about empathy. In EYFS, role-play and drama, help children to develop their vocabulary, confidence, expression and story telling techniques. The children enjoy a wide variety of dramatic activities through the curriculum. In Key Stages 1 and 2, a wide variety of high quality texts are used to deliver the curriculum. Grammar and reading comprehension are delivered through this rich learning experience.
Talk for Writing
Throughout school we use the Talk for Writing Process, providing consistent high quality opportunities within reading, writing, storytelling, poetry, drama and discussion.
The Talk for Writing approach enables children to read and write independently for a variety of audiences and purposes within different subjects. A key feature is that children internalise the language structures needed to write through ‘talking the text’, as well as close reading. The approach moves from dependence towards independence, with the teacher using shared and guided teaching to develop the ability in children to write creatively and powerfully.
Aims for English at Lark Hill Primary are:
- To provide a language-rich environment that promotes a culture of reading and writing;
- To develop a love of books and literature that will not only support their learning across the curriculum but also enrich their lives.
- To value and use books as a basis for learning and pleasure.
- To teach children the craft of writing and empower them with vocabulary in order to develop the confidence and skills to write well for a range of purposes and audience.
- Teach the basics – grammar, spelling, handwriting and punctuation – to liberate creativity.
- To foster confidence, desire and ability to express their views and opinions both orally and in writing.
We are committed to ensuring that all children make excellent progress in their knowledge, skills, understanding and general confidence and that there should be no ceiling placed on children’s learning.
Talk for Writing resources for home-learning
Talk for Writing resources to support home-learning, linked to Lark Hill Virtual School YouTube channel.