Reading in the new National Curriculum

I love books, I have just put down 'Fizzlebert Stump - The boy who ran away from the circus and joined the library' in order to write this blog post.   I love that moment when reading aloud to a class, the bell rings and the children moan in horror when they realise that that they won't hear what happens next until the following day.  Books are powerful learning tools when used correctly. However, as discussed in my previous post 'Mission: Engender a love of reading' some children do not enjoy reading.  There is some debate as to what constitutes a reluctant reader. I call them the 'Don't, Won't and Can't readers'  We need to engage them in the reading process through a variety of methods. 

There are a number of barriers to reading:

• Motivation
• Confidence 
• Ability

Confidence and motivation can be caused by 'text anxiety' ​and the danger of being wrong. 

I like to overcome the 'barriers to reading' through the use of film.  Film is a very powerful tool in the teacher's arsenal.  It is completely overlooked in the new National Curriclum, however it does not say 'don't use film' this is a green light for me! 

I have developed a new 'Key Reading Strategies Document in line with the new National Curriculum.  I have replaced 'Assessment Focus' (AF) with the term 'Reading Focus' (RF) we want to develop the reading skills for life rather than to just pass an assessment. 

As well as including a description of the reading strategy I have added in how films and images can be used to develop the skill too. 
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Key Reading Strategies

To download a pdf copy click here