Reading for Pleasure

At St. Mary's we understand that reading for pleasure is vital. Reading as at the heart of our curriculum and we ensure that children also have many opportunities to read for pleasure. We know that there are many benefits asssociated with reading for pleasure. A growing number of studies show that promoting reading can have a major impact on children and adults and their future. These include:-

• Reading attainment and writing ability;

• Text comprehension and grammar;

• Breadth of vocabulary;

• Positive reading attitudes;

• Greater self-confidence as a reader;

• Pleasure in reading in later life;

• General knowledge;

• A better understanding of other cultures;

• Community participation; and

• A greater insight into human nature and decision-making

Children across school enjoy a wide range of texts including fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Here are some children using their reading skills to research the life of Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole and Edith Cavell. 

Storytelling Week

During Storytelling Week, children across the school took part in a range of activities based on stories. The Year 1 children thought carefully about a range of traditional tales throughout the week.

Year 2 focused on the story 'The Frankenstein Teacher'. They completed a range of writing based on this text. They thought carefully about how we should not judge people because of the way that they look. 

Year 6 buddied up with the Reception children to enjoy a range of stories together. The Reception children loved working with the older children.

To end the week children and staff dressed up as their favourite characters from a story. Mrs Davidson shared a story with the children in assembly and we all thought carefully about how enjoyable a story can be.