Reading for Pleasure

We believe it is vital that children have time to read a variety of books so they can enjoy reading. Reading for pleasure. Not because it ticks off an objective or sets up a writing opportunity, just because!

Strategies to support reading for pleasure:

Reading Aloud

Reading aloud is one of the most important things our teachers do and is a frequent and regular part of each school day. Reading aloud enables children to experience and enjoy stories they might not otherwise meet. At St Ignatius we make it a priority and ensure everyone understands the importance of it. Reading aloud is a non-negotiable that happens at the end of every day in each classroom, as well as 'book talk', which is where the children will discuss their favourite reads and authors of the moment. By reading aloud well-chosen books aloud, teachers help classes to become communities of readers- ensuring they can share in experiences of a wide repertoire of books to enjoy. This links to the commitment we have to deepening and broadening vocabulary and our literacy focus for writing using quality texts (see Literacy Tree page!).

Designated Reading Areas and Book Corners

Each classroom has a dedicated book corner. They are designed to be attractive, comfortable and inspiring. The classroom book corners display a variety of genres and cover a range of potential areas of interest to increase pupils' literacy related skills. Children are encouraged to read a variety of recommended reads and to try new 'trending' reads or books that may link to others they have already enjoyed.

Inspiring Reading

Books and information about books are displayed attractively in classrooms and library/cosy areas where browsing, choosing and reading can take place on a daily basis. We known there are books which lend themselves to being talked about, thought through, returned to and which are engaging for children for a variety of reasons. Powerful stories engage children, stir ideas and feelings and excite the reader's interest and imagination.

To inspire reading we also:

Invest heavily in reading resources that children will want to read and re-read including books, comics and poetry.
Replenish our core reading spine regularly to ensure we have new texts for the pupils each year, which are diverse as well as ensuring they are reading some of the 'classic' stories that children have loved for many years.
Have members of staff who are excellent reading role models. They lead by example, creating an environment that promotes reading as a socially engaging activity that is highly valued.
Staff share their own favourite reads and display these for the children to see.
Make use of interactive displays, competitions and incentives.
Encourage parents and carers to spend time reading with their child- we hold half-termly parent reading mornings.

Celebrating Reading

We celebrate literature by organising events such as author or illustrator visits or trips to the local library.

For World Book Day this year (2024), Olaf Falafel came to visit us. He read from two books he has written for children (Blob fish and Trixie Pickle Art Avenger). We had a special assembly where Olaf also taught the children how to draw their own cartoon characters. We had an amazing time with Olaf!.

Olaf's book 'Blobfish' was named younger children's book of the year in 2023.

On days such as this we set aside the timetable and really celebrate books. Each year we really engage in all sorts of exciting activities, such as 'The Masked Reader', extreme reading, book trailers and dressing up.

Such events really give children a real reason for understanding characters, expressing preferences, talking about books they have enjoyed and hearing about books from their peers. And perhaps, most importantly, it enables them to see the power of a shared love of reading.

You will find below a list of AMAZING books for each year group.These are recommended reads.