English

English underpins all learning, allows us to communicate effectively and express ourselves to those around us. The teaching and learning of reading, writing and communication skills allows our pupils to have the skills they require to lead confident, happy and successful lives.

Pupils at Littlegreen Academy are be provided with daily opportunities and are encouraged to develop their literacy skills in a variety of situations and for a range of purposes.

Reading

Reading has a high profile across Littlegreen Academy, and skills are developed through a range of approaches and techniques to meet each pupils Education, Health and Care Plan targets. An important aspect of the development of reading skills is access to a rich and varied range of motivating high quality texts or stories. Pupils have access to two libraries and their own mini libraries.

Our aim is to develop a love of reading, we introduce pupils to a range of texts in order to discover their interests. There are three different ways to read that encourage fluid practice from the very beginning. By reading the pictures, even the earliest learners begin to understand the elements of a story; by reading the words, the most conventional definition of reading is explored; and by retelling the story, pupils learn the importance of comprehending what they read.

Writing

Writing requires pupils to use multiple physical and mental processes at the same time. It requires well developed fine motor skills, the attention to concentrate for periods of time, memory to generate ideas and remember what sounds look like to write words, and language to be able to express ourselves. Writing at Littlegreen Academy supports pupils to learn the strategies and use tools to help them communicate through writing.

At Littlegreen Academy every pupil has the opportunity to be able to reach their individual potential in writing and develop the skills to check and edit their work independently. Our aim is for all pupils to develop an interest in words, sounds and their meanings that enables them to acquire a growing vocabulary through, speech, symbols and writing as appropriate to their needs. To show and celebrate their powers of imagination, inventiveness and creativity and be confident to join in and communicate about their interests, experiences, needs and wants.

Daily 5

Daily 5 is a whole school approach to literacy which aims to create a structure in which pupils participate in meaningful activities, while teaching staff work with small groups and individuals to further develop their literacy skills. It gives pupils the independence to choose reading and writing activities, which will support their literacy skills.

Read to Self - during this time pupils are each equipped with their own mini library and are reading independently.

Read to Others - pupils have extended time to practice and the freedom to explore different writing topics.

Listen to Reading - time spent listening to fluent reading models is invaluable to building reading pronunciation and expression and it can allow pupils to access texts that exceeds their reading level.

Word Work - focuses on spelling, vocabulary and word play, by creating a word-rich environment. Please Word Work tab for more information.

Work on Writing - have extended time to practice and the freedom to explore different writing topics and find a pleasure in writing.

Links to school values:

We are accepting – Through a range of texts pupils learn about diversity and inclusivity, they can explore a range of viewpoints and develop empathy, acceptance and tolerance.

We are Kind – We explore thoughts and feelings, develop respect and understanding through the texts read and shared.

We persevere – Sometimes reading, writing and communicating to others can be difficult, pupils learn to preserve with support from the adults, resources and strategies taught.

We are courageous – Pupils are taught to use communication to stand up for what is right, to have their voices heard and make positive change.

We are ambitious – Pupils have many opportunities to learn about different career options, research goals and make plans for their future.