English
Writing
Our aim is to ensure that every child can write imaginatively for a variety of purposes. At Lime Tree, we use the ‘Talk for Writing’ strategy as a vehicle for teaching an innovative English curriculum, which inspires children to be confident writers. Initially, children are immersed in a rich text, which teaches the key grammatical patterns of a specific genre. Each time they learn about a different text, they are extending their knowledge of what it is to be a good writer. Once they have internalised the patterns in the text, they are able to use the key features to innovate and invent their own version.
Spelling
Since the changes to the National Curriculum (2014), the profile of spelling has been raised, with children expected to spell most common exception words, and words with a spelling rule, correctly. In the younger years, spelling is taught in conjunction with our phonics lessons, giving children a chance to apply their knowledge of phoneme-grapheme correspondence to write words correctly. From Y2 onwards, children are introduced to the Read, Write, Inc. Spelling Planet, where three friendly aliens introduce and teach the children the age appropriate spelling rules. During writing lessons throughout the curriculum, children are then encouraged to use their spelling rules to help them spell independently.
Reading
Reading at Lime Tree combines reading for pleasure and reading for information. Children have access to inviting reading areas in each classroom, and a spacious library. At Lime Tree, reading is promoted through all areas of the curriculum, as well as through specific reading opportunities during Phonics and guided reading sessions.
Children take home a book-banded book of their choice each week. We recommend that a book be read three times. The first read develops accuracy, the second read builds fluency and the third read improves fluent sight-reading. These books consist of fiction non-fiction or poetry books. They also take home a library book of their choice and in Reception, they take home the same Ditty/Storybook that they are reading within their Read, Write Inc. Phonics sessions to promote and consolidate the learning of specific sounds.
Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 take part in daily Read Write Inc. phonics sessions. To find out more about this scheme, please visit their website. There are valuable resources and videos for parents/carers to use to help support their child’s reading development at home.
Ruthmiskin TrainingTo help support your child’s reading and comprehension development at home, there are some example questions to stimulate interesting discussions during story time, on the link provided.
Reading - How You Can Help at Home
How SPaG (spelling & grammar) is taught at LTPS Presentation
