In Shark Class, most of our children are free to select their own choice of reading book. Our class library has a wide range of books available for the chilren to read and enjoy. Children in Shark Class are expected to read every night for about 20-30 mins and we ask that this is recorded it in their reading records by either children or a supporting adult. We encourage families to use children’s reading time to discuss the texts and ask appropriate questions to further develop their comprehension skills.

Reading can take place independently, although additionally, reading aloud is a highly valuable learning experience.  Records are checked every week and children receive Dojo points upon completion of this homework task. We enjoy using our class reading area to really engross ourselves in our books! Within our reading area we have a Shark class book review scrapbook where we have begun recording our thoughts about personal reads and class books. We have enjoyed discussing some interesting themes and thought provoking questions that arise from the books we read.

Shark Class also take part in a weekly Guided Reading session in class. this gives the children chance to develop their comprehension skills through discussion books with adults and peers and allows teaching staff to ensure that all pupils in the class have the opportunity to read to a member of the Shark Class team. Texts are chosen for their usitability to the level that the children are currently reading at and are also themed around our class topic. 

Throughout school we also have an extensive reading intervention programme as part of our school’s participation in a local reading project, that is co-ordinated by our school reading lead, Mrs Saunders with interventions delivered by Miss Shaw. All children across school, including children in Shark Class are supported to develop their phonic knowledge, fluency and comprehension where required.

This year we have adopted a new spelling scheme in Shark Class which will enhance the existing provision. Spellings set follow a weekly spelling rule, which is drawn from those outlined in the National Curriculum. These are differentiated by year group, with a weekly spelling test taking place on Mondays.

Any child who needs support or development can access a mixed or reduced list. We also offer further support through interventions to allow children to receive further assistance where required. We take advantage of the flexibility offered in a mixed range setting to allow children to access the support needed, allowing children to develop mastery with older year groups where relevant and also to provide extended access to Phonics sessions, where required.

Shark Class spellings can be found in their individual spelling books, every child has their own folder which should be brought into school on a Monday ready for testing. New spellings are stuck into books and sent home on a Wednesday. Spellings are also uploaded to our Class story page on Class Dojo. We  visually display our weekly spellings on the class windows in chalk pens so children can regularly use and see these spellings across the week.

Spellings should be continued to be practised at home throughout the week to ensure children are continually developing their skills and in turn are embedding this knowledge throughout their written work.

All children in Shark Class are set a weekly homework activity in English and Maths This is sent home on a Friday and should be returned by the following Wednesday. The activity’s focus will always be an area of learing that has been learnt at school during in the week to ensure consolidation of learning and allows us to make time for interventions at the end of every half term, where needed to ensure learning and progression. Each half term a challenge is set for homework instead of a specialised subject piece and children are asked to revisit each spelling and maths area that has been covered that half term.

My Happy Mind is a new wellbeing and brain programme that began in Spring term 2022, the children learn to manage their feelings, emotions and brain development in the form of whole class sessions on a Monday morning before learning begins. Journalling forms a part of this and the children enjoy learnoing breathing techniques.

Children in Shark Class have the opportunity to add work to our ‘Proud Wall’ once every half term. This showcases an individual piece of work that each child is particularly impressed with and has enjoyed completing.

It is wonderful to see such a vast array of work each half term being displayed in our classroom.