English Workshop January 2018

Why is English important? English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. A high-quality education in English will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society; pupils, therefore, who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised. National Curriculum

English in Everything Academic success Fulfilling careers Rewarding lives English is the dominant international language of the 21st century. It is spoken at a useful level by some 1.75 billion people – a quarter of the world’s population. As the language of communications, science, information technology, business, entertainment and diplomacy, it has increasingly become the operating system for the global conversation. The British Council

English is extremely difficult! There is no ham in hamburger. Neither is there any apple nor pine in pineapple. If teachers taught, why didn’t preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?

Early Development Language and literacy are the cornerstones of learning in the early years Speaking and listening skills are at the heart of language Listening feeds imagination, enhances vocabulary and develops comprehension Importance of phonics Screen time – the enemy!

What is the English Curriculum? The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

In other words, English is… Learning to: Speak Listen Read Write Spell

English in School Every day: Also: Speaking and listening Phonics / spelling Reading comprehension Grammar / writing Own reading scheme books / reading for pleasure Class text Handwriting practice Cross-curricular writing Drama and role play English interventions Weekly reading buddies

Reading Decoding Comprehension

Why is reading so important? … Books help children develop vital language skills. Reading can open up new worlds and enrich children's lives. Reading can enhance children's social skills. Reading can improve hand-eye coordination. Reading is FUN!

Reading Top Tips Talk about the story and the characters as you go along. Encourage your child to pretend to 'read' a book before he or she can read words. Let your child take over reading gradually – don’t push them into reading before they’re ready. Visit the library and borrow books you enjoy reading together. Look for books on topics that you know your child is interested in - maybe dragons, insects, cookery or a certain sport. Make sure that children’s books are easily accessible in different rooms around your house. Look for words in everyday life, not just books. Read newspaper headlines, shop signs or menus in cafes.

How do we teach reading in School? Shared reading Whole class taught reading comprehension skills Guided reading

Why read 20 minutes a day? Pupil A Reads 20 minutes a day 1,800,000 words a year Scores in the 90th percentile in standardised tests Pupil C Reads 1 minute a day 8,000 words a year Scores in the 10th percentile in standardised tests

Love reading for kids http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/ Recommended reading lists on class pages of website.

How else can you help? Talk and listen lots Correct spoken grammar e.g. ‘We was’ and ‘them sweets’ Help to learn spellings and discuss rules and patterns Ensure correct pencil grip when writing Encourage to write for pleasure