Reading in EYFS:

We have a structure to the teaching of reading within EYFS. The teaching of early reading begins as soon as the children enter the school in Reception and are introduced to foster a love of books through daily story, rhyme and song time. A wide selection of books are available for the children in Reception  and these are grouped into their phonics ability. Children are taught during shared and guided group reading sessions through a sequence of repetitive books, starting off with picture books to aid discussion and understanding of books.

Children in EYFS are taught through 7 key areas, of which Communication and Language, and Literacy are assessed.

Communication and Language:

Listening, Attention and Understanding

• listen attentively and respond to what they hear with relevant questions, comments and actions when being read to and during whole class discussions and small group interactions.
• make comments about what they have heard and ask questions to clarify their understanding 
• hold conversation when engaged in back-and-forth exchanges with their teacher and peers

Speaking:

• Participate in small group, class and one-to-one discussions, offering their own ideas, using recently introduced vocabulary
• Offer explanations for why things might happen, making use of recently introduced vocabulary from stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems when appropriate.
• Express their ideas and feelings about their experiences using full sentences, including use of past, present and future tenses and making use of conjunctions, with modelling and support from their teacher.

Literacy:

1. Comprehension

• Demonstrate understanding of what has been read to them by retelling stories and narratives using their own words and recently introduced vocabulary.

• Anticipate (where appropriate) key events in stories.

• Use and understand recently introduced vocabulary during discussions about stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems and during role play.

2. Word Reading

Say a sound for each letter in the alphabet and at least 10 digraphs.

• Read words consistent with their phonic knowledge by sound-blending.

• Read aloud simple sentences and books that are consistent with their phonic knowledge, including some common exception words.

3. Writing

• Write recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed.

• Spell words by identifying sounds in them and representing the sounds with a letter or letters.

• Write simple phrases and sentences that can be read by others.