Mr Grosse's blog - Putting reading at the heart of learning

Most of us read without even thinking about it. It’s a skill we take for granted, yet one that is essential for being able to get on in life. As a child grows up, being able to read well not only enables them to discover new facts and to learn at school, but also opens them up to a world of new ideas, stories and opportunities.

Did you know that Mrs Barrett’s favourite children's book is Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman, Mrs Grosse loves anything Harry Potter, Mrs La Farge enjoys the seasonal Jolly Christmas Postman, Mr Mitchener is a fan of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mrs Sahota wishes everyone was like Matilda and Mrs O’Hare loves the evilness of Cruella De Vil in 101 Dalmations?

At Gateway, we place a great deal of emphasis on the importance of reading. Research shows a clear link between young people’s literacy progression and the amount of time they spend reading appropriately challenging books.

The staff at Gateway are passionate about books - many a conversation takes place in the staffroom at breaktime about the latest books that are being read - and this shows in the conversations had with the children. The depth of knowledge of children’s literature enables Mrs Kemp, Mrs Barrett and Mrs Gauntlett, and indeed many other teachers, to match the children with books that will spark the love of reading that we strive for in all of our children.

As Dr Seuss says:

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

And

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.”

It is, therefore, essential that we are ensuring that young people are spending enough time reading (or being read to) in order to develop a natural love for literature that will last a lifetime.

In the Parents’ Area of the website we have included a recommended reading list for each year group. For ease, you can access them via the links below:

Early Years and Key Stage 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Have a great weekend.

Rob Grosse, Deputy Headteacher