Home Reading Language Project Developing reading skills through home languages Miss Lee, Mrs Byfield & Mrs Motala 20 th November 2015

Reading Reading is an important part of children’s learning. It is a skill that children need in all areas of the curriculum. A good level of reading can aid children’s progress in school. Research demonstrates that if parents read with their children, children’s reading standards can improve.

At school, we use different schemes and techniques to teach reading, such as: Story time Independent reading Visuals in the school environment Use of the school library/ book corner Games Phonics Guided reading (Year 2 and above) Reading at school

The reading process Reading involves much more than just reading the written word. Children will need to acquire skills which will help them to become better readers and will also support their writing. Book handling – handle books and turn pages correctly. Know that print is left to right. Vocabulary – learn new words and build on their own vocabulary. Text – recognise letter names/ sounds. Use phonics to sound out words. Recognise familiar words. Develop fluency and expression. Comprehension – learn how to speak about the story and make predictions and inferences. Link stories to own experience and opinions.

Concerns with reading Some children with English as an additional language do not achieve in reading tasks – comprehension. Teachers report that some children do not have the same opportunities for reading at home. Pupils do not recognise their home language as valuable in reading.

Issues for some parents Parents’ experiences of learning to read is different to their children’s. Parents are unfamiliar with how reading is taught at school. Parents lack confidence to approach staff about concerns that they have with supporting their child with reading. Parents feel that they must only use English when reading with their children. Some parents are not confident or able to read in English.

What are the aims of the project? To raise the value placed on use of home languages and ensure that pupils are using all their linguistic skills. To assure parents that their support of their children in their home language will benefit their children’s acquisition of English. To bridge cultural and historical differences between how parents were taught to read and how we teach children now. To raise the attainment of ethnic minority pupils in reading. For children of other languages to become familiar with English traditional stories. Great opportunity for you to read to your child.

Importance of home languages in school Bilingualism is an asset! Parental involvement in children’s education supports their learning. Research highlights where home languages are developed, this improves thinking skills and the ability to acquire a new language. For many bilingual children, once they start school, their home language is gradually replaced by English.

What do the resources include? Dual language text book in a variety of languages. Translated reading guidance leaflets for parents. Phonics charts with phonetic sound translations. Story prompts to develop speaking, listening and comprehension.

How can we borrow more books? How long can we keep the books? Any other questions? Thank you for coming.