"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”– Margaret Fuller

At Kingsford Community School, pupils develop a lifelong love of reading that equips them with key skills that unlock the doors to brilliant, aspirational futures.

Whether browsing the school’s range of resources in its newly refurbished library and Learning Resources Centre, visiting the local library, learning about research skills and diversity in literature at London’s British Library, or celebrating World Book Day, pupils are surrounded by books and actively encouraged to develop their literacy skills at every available opportunity.

But why is reading so important? And what can parents do to support their children with developing their literacy at home? We asked Kingsford pupils and staff what they thought.

 

Can you remember the first book you read?

I really loved James and the Giant Peach – the descriptions took me away to another place. Year 8 pupil.

 

What is the book that has had the greatest impact on you, and why?

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak stayed with me for a really long time. It made me think about the power of books, and the difficulties faced by people being persecuted. Year 10 pupil.

 

Why do you think reading is important?

Reading is a passport to opening minds, developing the imagination and sharing stories which are a fundamental part of human experience.  The power of reading doesn't just allow us to time travel but to realise more about ourselves when the book has ended. Ms Kadir, Assistant Literacy Coordinator

 

How can reading open doors for the future?

Your ability to read, and the regularity with which you read directly impacts how well you do in your examined education. It also gives you confidence when you move into further education and into the competitive world of work. It is like a special advantage that you carry around with you. Ms Lee, Assistant Head

 

In what ways are reading and literacy celebrated and encouraged at Kingsford?

The way we speak, listen, read and write are all important at Kingsford. The spoken and written word is everywhere at Kingsford, our community is rich in diversity so the range of vocabulary one encounters on a daily basis is very dynamic. Literacy is celebrated in lessons, but also through an enriching co-curricular programme which includes debating and the Creative Arts. Mr Green, Assistant Head

 

How can parents and families help nurture a love of reading at home?

Find something they enjoy reading, in any language, and let their children see that it is something to enjoy, it isn't just 'hard work' when you are reading. Encourage the small things, a page, a chapter, putting their phone down and reading a magazine. Make a day of it - visit a book shop, visit local libraries, speak about what you are reading. Perhaps even read the same book and talk about it together. Mr Young, Assistant Head

“Children who read outside of class are 13 times more likely to read above the expected level for their age.” Oxford University Press

Reading to and with your child regularly – ideally every evening for at least fifteen minutes - can make a dramatic difference to a child's achievement within school and beyond.

Helpful Resources:

• An introduction to Lexonic, an online literacy improvement programme used at Kingsford
• Lexia Powerup, one of the literacy resources used at Kingsford
• Bedrock Learning, a tool used at Kingsford for supporting reading and literacy development
• https://librivox.org/
• https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/
• http://www.loyalbooks.com/
• https://www.overdrive.com/%E2%80%8B
• https://www.storynory.com/%E2%80%8B
• https://freeclassicaudiobooks.com/%E2%80%8B
• https://www.digitalbook.io/%E2%80%8B
• https://sites.google.com/kingsfordschool.org.uk/english/home (Kingsford VLE page for Kingsford pupils)
• https://www.newham.gov.uk/libraries-arts-culture
• https://www.bl.uk/events/treasures-of-the-british-library