In this article, we explore the work of Katie Thompson, a Reading and Phonics Instructor, who is dedicated to helping pupils with SEND develop a love for reading at Fountain Head House School. Through her creative and tailored approaches, Katie makes reading accessible and enjoyable for all.
- Katie, you play such an important part in helping children develop a love for reading, especially pupils with SEND. Could you tell us a bit about what led you to specialise in this area?
- Reading and Phonics have always been a part of my practice which included working in pre-schools and having my own childminding setting. Reading was promoted through encouraging children to explore books at an early age and to enjoy books as a fun and positive activity. I have developed reading sacks and sensory books to create a multisensory way of exploring books with SEN children. I am passionate about creating robust reading corners to promote pleasurable reading, and to encourage all types of reading materials to support literacy, through different development stages.
- How do you inspire confidence in pupils who might find reading a bit more challenging? Is there a specific approach to keep them focused and motivated?
- Fountain Head House School has a clear pathway of assessment for all pupils at the school, which starts with a reading assessment from Oxford Owl, to identify pupils' level of reading. Once the level of reading has been assessed we look at if the pupil is at Age Related Expectations. If the pupil is under the age-related expectation, we look at support through our phonics programmes or book bands of reading through the Oxford Owl word sparks reading programme. Teachers and teaching support staff in each class support reading with their pupils through daily reading sessions. These reading sessions could be a level reading book, pleasurable reading book, phonics book or linked with the class literacy books. Reading is promoted through all aspects of the school's routine to build confidence in the pupil's development and build a positive relationship with words.
- You've built an amazing collection of books for the school. Would you like to share a little bit more about it? And how does it feel to see the children enjoying them?
- We have had the good fortune to have amazing parents/carers and staff who have donated books to our School Library and help create a cosy environment with a wide range of reading materials for all stages of development. All pupils have a class library slot and can also access the library whenever there is a free library slot, to choose a book, magazine, leaflet, comic and non-fiction books to explore and read for pleasurable reading. It has been amazing to see pupils who see books as a barrier come into the library and play word games or look through the newspapers and magazines or use the library space as a place to relax, chill-out or chat. The library has been a positive influence in creating pleasurable reading for the whole school and I cannot wait to see how it will develop further over the next year.
- How can parents support their children at home to improve their reading skills?
- Local libraries are a fantastic and free space to enjoy with your children to promote reading together, where you can share and explore books as a family. Our online e-library from Oxford Owl, has a fantastic range of e-books to support all stages of reading. Another way to encourage reading is to put on subtitles when watching children's programmes. This can support reading at home where children link text and words to what is being said through watching programmes together.
Katie’s work is a reminder of how important it is to make reading accessible and enjoyable for every child. By creating a supportive environment and fostering a love for books. Katie is helping children develop a skill that will benefit them for a lifetime. With the right support and resources, every child can discover the joy and benefits of reading, regardless of the challenges they may face.
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