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St Matthew's CE Primary School

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How can I support my child's reading development?

In Year R, 1 and 2, children will be sent home with reading books which are matched to their phonic knowledge. The best way to support your child to develop their reading is to listen to them read daily. Inside the front and back cover of the book is a guide to the phonemes, decodable words and tricky words that the children will need to practise. There will also be some comprehension questions. 

Your child will also be sent home with a 'non decodable' reading book. This is a reading book to share with your child together. It may be that your child cannot read this book by themselves but listening to you read to them is hugely beneficial and enjoyable. 

As children move through the year groups and their reading becomes more fluent, they will still be encouraged and expected to read daily. Please still listen to your child read regularly or encourage them to set aside some time to read independently. Talk to your child about the book that they have read. 

If your child needs support with decoding of sounds, no matter what year group they are in, please see the support page 'How can I support my child's development of phonics?'. The resources there are used throughout the school. 

If you need any books linked to a particular book band, we have subscribed to 'Oxford Owl' which has a variety of e-books. You will also find a range of 'phonically decodable' books there.  Please find below a guide about how to access the books. 

Oxford Owl

Oxford Owl User Guide