At Leverton Church of England Academy, we deliver the Read Write Inc. (RWI) program in EYFS and KS1 to establish a strong foundation in phonics, reading, and writing. RWI is a systematic approach that helps children learn to read fluently and with comprehension by teaching them to decode words using phonics. Through engaging and interactive lessons, children quickly develop the ability to read and spell, fostering a love for reading from an early age. In KS2, we transition to Reciprocal Reading, a collaborative approach that enhances comprehension and critical thinking skills. This method encourages students to engage with texts through predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing. By promoting discussion and active participation, Reciprocal Reading helps students become more confident and independent readers. Together, these programs ensure a high quality of teaching and learning, supporting our students' literacy development at every stage.

At Leverton we believe that reading for pleasure is crucial for children's overall development and academic success. When children enjoy reading, they naturally improve their literacy skills, expand their vocabulary, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. To encourage this love of reading, we use reading cards with stickers to celebrate and acknowledge the reading children do at home. Each time a child reads a book, they earn a sticker, providing them with a sense of achievement and motivating them to continue exploring new stories.

Our staff members also play an active role in fostering a love of reading by regularly offering book recommendations tailored to individual interests and reading levels. By sharing their enthusiasm for different genres and authors, teachers inspire students to discover new books and genres they might not have explored otherwise. This supportive environment encourages children to see reading as an enjoyable and rewarding activity, helping to in still a lifelong passion for books.

Children at Leverton Church of England Academy have regular opportunities to visit our library, where they can explore a diverse range of books and develop their reading interests. To further support this, we've recently introduced a brand new library club during breaktime, led by Mrs. Bennett. This club provides a welcoming space for children to discover new books, share recommendations with friends, and enjoy reading in a relaxed environment. By offering these experiences and resources, we aim to make reading an exciting and integral part of our students' daily lives, nurturing a lifelong love of literature.