Reading Lead Siobhan Carlill and Teaching Assistant Carol Ashford from Brookvale Primary School were looking to raise reading engagement and attainment across the school post Covid. With the aid of DreamBox Reading Plus, the children have uncovered a new enthusiasm for reading.
Read their case study to discover how Reading Plus has encouraged pupils to engage in a healthy competitive spirit, which has sparked a reading for pleasure environment and supported impressive growth in reading progress.
“If your school is considering implementing Reading Plus, definitely do it. It’s engaging, it’s rewarding for the children, the texts are brilliant. There isn’t any reason you shouldn’t give it a go. I can’t see a flaw in it to be honest, and I know the children enjoy it so that’s a win-win.”
Why was Brookvale looking for help with reading?
Reading was one of our focuses because during lockdown our children weren’t reading as much as they should have been. When they returned to school, we were trying to find something that would engage them. Reading Plus was something we could get the children to do on the school’s iPads and that might act as a hook. That’s how it initially started and then it’s just grown from there.
We were also looking to improve fluency. Sometimes when children pass the phonics test in Year 1, it’s almost assumed that they’re at a certain level. However, Year 2 teachers were picking up issues with fluency. If these weren’t dealt with in early Key Stage 2, teachers would find that we had quite big problems as those pupils were coming into Years 5 and 6.
Vocabulary was an issue too. Our children are not exposed to a large range of words at home, so they find vocabulary quite tricky and we have to try and plug the gaps in school.
Improved reading and vocabulary supporting SATs success
Reading Plus has a big impact on reading levels.
We did a practice SATs run at the beginning of Year 6 and our reading scores at this stage are really impressive. We’ve got to attribute a lot of that to Reading Plus because they’ve had access to the programme in Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and now into Year 6. To be getting the scores that we’re getting now, a lot of that is because their vocabulary has been developed really well.
The range of text types on the programme gives children a choice but also narrows their options to ensure they’re in an appropriate level range for them. Whereas, if they were to get a book in the library, they probably wouldn’t choose something as challenging. That’s where the vocabulary growth comes in.
Our current Year 6s know more tier one and tier two words than previous cohorts, which also helps with success across the curriculum.
How has the reporting data helped guide your teaching?
Before Reading Plus, pupils had reading books, but you’ve got no real data there to show that they have actually read it. Kids are very clever, so even though they had paper reading records, you can just fill in the record without actually physically reading the book. With Reading Plus there is that tracking. You can see how long they’ve been logged on for and what they’ve been doing.
I’m a bit of a data geek, so I quite like looking at the reports Reading Plus provides. The data and information we get through not only shows the successes, but it also shows us what we need to work on, because it breaks down the data into each skill and the Reading Content Domain. This means you can tell if a child is really good at a specific type of comprehension question, but they struggle on the vocabulary questions, for example. I find that really fascinating.
What do you enjoy about Reading Plus?
In terms of teacher workload, it’s very minimal because the children just get on and do it. You know you’re on to a good thing when the children pick up their iPads and they get excited.
Our kids enjoy the programme and I’m really pleased with it. I’d be devastated if we didn’t have Reading Plus anymore. I’d advise anybody that if it’s something you’re interested in, 100% implement Reading Plus. I don’t think you can go wrong.
Do the children enjoy using Reading Plus?
I really see the benefits in my Year 6 class. They just devour it – they’re straight on, no moaning. They love the competition element of it, they love the certificates. They really thrive on that. The fact that they can see themselves moving through the levels makes a really big difference.
We celebrate their successes, and the incentives Reading Solutions UK offers, such as the termly competitions and awards, help to engage them as well. It makes our jobs easier!
When I taught Year 2 last year, they were getting really excited about it. They don’t use Reading Plus, but because they see the certificates and celebrations in assembly, they were asking, “When are we starting Reading Plus?”
Free, unlimited support to maximise impact
The Customer Support has been amazing. The team are really helpful. If I can’t find or remember how to do something, I get an answer straight away.
I’ve also been involved in the webinars Reading Solutions UK (RSUK) host to help with training and support.
RSUK also organise a range of great initiatives to inspire them to read as well. It makes our job easier to engage them.
How does Reading Plus fit in with your curriculum?
We have been using Reading Plus with Key Stage 2 for several years. It’s timetabled into our curriculum for 30-minute sessions four times a week and the children can do it for homework as well.
Everybody backs it, everybody believes in it and everybody values it. It’s part of our everyday learning – we just do it. For the children then coming up from Key Stage 1, they’re ready to get involved because they know what happens.
Book a brief introductory meeting online with one of our Reading Development Consultants to explore the advantages of Reading Plus for your school.
Call:
0191 389 6078 (option 1)
Email:
info@readingsolutionsuk.com
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