Reading Scheme

Primary schools have a range of reading schemes to choose from. The most popular include Oxford Reading Tree (ORT), Collins Big Cat and Rigby Star, but other schemes are also used, including Lighthouse, Storyworlds and New Reading 360. Some schools continue to use older series, such as Ginn and New Way. 

At The Heys Primary School the children mainly follow the Oxford Reading Tree programme, as we feel that the books are new, bright and fresh, and the stories are about events that children can relate to. 

 

HOW ARE THE SCHEMES DEVISED?

Reading schemes are developed in conjunction with literacy experts. Oxford Reading Tree, for example, is supported by Debbie Hepplewhite, creator of the synthetic phonics programme used in schools. Most schemes begin in the Foundation Stage and progressively become more difficult.  For example, Key Stage 1 books are written with a mix of high-frequency and decodable words to develop a range of reading strategies, while Key Stage 2 books cover a wide range of genres and subjects, linking to the curriculum.

 

HOW MANY BOOKS DO CHILDREN READ AT EACH STAGE?

 The number of books at each level depends on how much practice children need at that stage.

Many schemes also have offshoots alongside the core texts. “In addition to the classic Biff, Chip and Kipper texts, Oxford Reading Tree offers other strands, such as Songbirds Phonics, Snapdragon variety fiction, and Fireflies non-fiction, to develop children’s reading range.

 

READING LISTS

At The Heys we are often asked to recommend books that are popular with children and have a good literary content. Please click on the links below to view our recommended reading lists

We would welcome your views to any other books that you think should be added to the list.