Helping with Literacy

HELPING WITH READING

Time spent setting up a reading situation is worthwhile. (Comfortable and quiet, away from disturbances like TV, mobile phones, etc.)
Refer to ‘Reading Cheat Cards’ for a list of questions to check understanding and develop reading skills.
When children are reading aloud to you, do not worry if reading is not perfect. If words are unfamiliar and children struggle to read them, supply the word fairly quickly if it is hard, or suggest ‘reading on’ or going back to the word if it is easy. Please refer to the "Paired Reading" document below for a supportive strategy which can help your child develop reading fluency.
Involve them in reading activities such as looking up TV programmes and timings, choosing reading a recipe, reading the menu when out, reading the newspaper and relevant adverts.
Encourage children to read across a range of genres (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, internet, newspapers etc.) “First News” (newspaper for young teenagers) is available in the school library, but you can purchase a private subscription.

Set an example by enjoying reading yourself (books, magazines and newspapers). Children need adult role models who read for pleasure.

HELPING WITH SPELLING

Encourage children to attempt to spell the word. In writing tasks, pupils are awarded marks for using ambitious vocabulary, even if the spelling of the word is incorrect. While writing, pupils are encouraged to dot words if they are unsure of the spelling and check words later.
Use the dictionary to look up words together.
Encourage children to use the LOOK, COVER, WRITE, CHECK when learning spellings. It helps visual recall. The following link demonstrates this method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNkMwu2otBs
Make lists of words that regularly cause difficulties. Write them up on a bookmark that can be taken from lesson to lesson or collect them in a special book.
Invent a mnemonic to aid memory, e.g. BECAUSE – Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants.

HELPING WITH WRITING

Reading supports writing in many ways: teaches vocabulary, sentence structure, stylistic conventions of genres, etc. It is integral to writing success.
Refer to ‘Engaging with English’ for tips and games on how to develop creativity in writing.
Refer to ‘End of Yr6 Expectation Writing’ for the list of skills pupils are required to develop by the end of KS2.
Help with writing when it is part of homework and use this as an opportunity to reinforce writing skills.
Check writing by using some of the following questions: