Reading

1: Is developing an interest in books Scale points 1 – 3 are based on the childrens achievement in their preferred language Looking for child to hold book right way up – may turn pages from back to front of book, depending on preferred language

2:Knows that print conveys meaning Key developmental point is childs realisation that it is the print/writing that carries the message, or tells the story

3:Recognises a few familiar words A few words – needs to be more than the childs name

4: Knows that, in English, print is read from left to right and top to bottom Assessment of scale points 4 – 9 should be in English Child needs to follow print (using finger or pointer) from left to right and top to bottom of the page, as in English

5: Shows an understanding of the elements of stories, such as main character, sequence of events and openings Focus on simple stories Practitioner needs to phrase questions carefully during discussion as child may not be familiar with technical terms Such as means that a range, but not all aspects listed, need to be achieved

6: Reads a range of familiar and common words and simple sentences independently Should include simple sentences as well as familiar words

7:Retells narratives in the correct sequence, drawing on language patterns of stories Should be based on a simple narrative Practitioner can support but not lead in the retelling

8:Shows an understanding of how information can be found in non-fiction texts to answer questions about where, who, why and how Teaching implications – child not as likely to achieve this unless there have been previous activities where finding information in books has been presented in appropriate and enjoyable ways Read commas as and but use judgement – not all questions apply to all non-fiction texts

9:Reads books of own choice with some fluency and accuracy Refer to handbook for indication of level of difficulty Child may need support if text is unfamiliar or complex Must achieve all other scale points prior to 9