At Walton, we love reading! When you visit our school, please take a look at our fabulous reading environments including our newly refurbished library and reading corners in each of the classrooms. Photos coming soon....

We are an Accelerated reader school for Year 2 upwards so all our home reading books are given a ZPD code and are matched to a child's reading age and comprehension level.

Our reading books at EYFS and Year 1 are phonics phase matched as well as a book of their choice from their correct colour band in school.

We know there are so many benefits to reading, here are just a few to help you understand too-

1. Children who read often and widely get better at it.

After all, practice makes perfect in almost everything humans do, and reading in no different.

2. Reading exercises our brain.

Reading is a much more complex task for the human brain rather than watching TV, for example. Reading strengthens brains connections and builds NEW connections.

3. Reading improves concentration.

Children have to sit still and quietly so that they can focus on the story when they are reading. If the read often, they will develop the skill to do this for longer.

4. Reading teaches children about the world around them.

Through reading a variety of books children learn about people, places, and events outside of their own experience.

5. Reading improves vocabulary and language skills.

Children learn new words as they read. Subconsciously, they absorb information on how to structure sentences and how to use words and other language features effectively in their writing and speaking.

6. Reading develops a child's imagination.

As we read our brains translate the descriptions we read of people, places and things into pictures. While we are engaged in a story we are also imagining how a character is feeling. Young children then bring this knowledge into their everyday play.

7. Reading helps children to develop empathy.

As children develop they begin to imagine how they would feel in that situation.

8. Reading is  fun.

A book or an e-reader doesn't take up much space and is light to carry, so you take it anywhere so you can never be bored if you have a book in your bag.

9. Reading is a great way to spend time together.

Reading together on the sofa, bedtimes stories and visiting the library are just some ways of spending time together.

10. Children who read achieve better in school.

Reading promotes achievement in all subjects, not just English. Children who are good readers tend to achieve better across the curriculum.

Please find below some useful information on how to help your child with their reading at home.  Don't forget our home reading rewards system where your children can earn badges or pencils, bookmarks and rubbers. Once your child reads 200 times at home in a year they become a reading ambassador for the school!