Hurst Drive reading at home:

• Reception - A child in Reception will take home three books each week: a sharing book for an adult to read to them, a Read Write Inc. Phonics book they can read to an adult, and a colour-banded book they can also share with an adult so they are being introduced to high-quality storybooks and information books.
• Years 1 & 2 - A child in Year 1 or Year 2 will take home two books each week: a Read Write Inc. Phonics book they can read to an adult, along with a colour-banded book they can also share with an adult to support their reading for pleasure. 
• Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 - A child in Years 3-6 will take home one colour-banded book each week.  Often the children in Key Stage 2 read chapter books and so may keep the same book for a few weeks and this is perfectly acceptable.

Your child has been given a new reading record, banded book, and a reading record help sheet. It is important that you spend time reading through these to support your children with their reading at home. 

The school has invested heavily in a range of literature and resources to support our English curriculum so please ensure that your child's reading record and reading book are taken care of and returned to school in good condition. You may be asked to contribute to the cost of lost resources. 

One of the most important things you can do to help your child to learn and do well at school is to read with them at home. As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher, you have a very important role to play in helping them to become readers.  

Why is reading so important? 

Reading: 

• Helps children to learn new vocabulary 

• Helps children to develop their speaking and listening skills 

• Gives children the opportunity to talk about stories and ideas 

• Gives children the skills they need to understand other areas of the school curriculum such as maths and science 

• Develops children’s understanding of the world around them and other people 

What can I do to support my child’s reading? 

• Read with or to your child for at least 10 minutes every day if they're in Years R-2, 15 minutes every day if they're in Years 3-4, and 20 minutes every day if they're in Years 5-6 
• Complete their reading record

• Talk together about the stories you have read 

• Read yourself 

• Have books in your home  

Words for Life - Activities and support for parents, children and young people to improve language, literacy and communication skills from home

Enjoy Reading Guide - A guide to reading at home 

The Reading Agency - UK Charity promoting the benefits of reading for children and adults

Hertfordshire eLibrary - Read ebooks and listen to audiobooks for free using your Hertfordshire library membership

Book Trust ebooks - Here you can find lots of lovely interactive books to read online or watch with signing

Oak Academy Virtual School Library - Virtual School Library from Oak National Academy and the National Literacy Trust.