Louise Kanolik, school librarian, explains
how Loxford School of Science and Technology, Redbridge
involves the parents of prospective Year 7 pupils to ensure
the reading habit is not lost during the primary secondary
transfer period.
It is a priority for us to make sure that new Year 7 pupils
and their families are aware of the important role that
reading plays at Loxford, and we start to communicate these
messages as soon as possible, when pupils are still in Year
6.
During visits to our three main feeder primary schools,
we talk to the children about their reading and the opportunities
that are available to them to enjoy books, newspapers, websites
etc during the summer holidays and at their new school.
An important aspect of our visit is to distribute packs
to the children to take home and give to their parents.
This pack includes a suggested summer reading book list,
information about the Summer Reading Challenge, an application
form for the local children's library and a letter addressed
to parents. We believe that these packs are important to
remind parents about the importance of their role in encouraging
children to read, even as they get older.
We reinforce this message where we can, but it is parents'
evening that is the key opportunity to talk to parents about
their child's reading. As an additional visual reading promotion,
we show the Loxford
'Reading Connects school of the year' video for those
parents waiting.
We are at the beginning of a challenging road, but feel
the steps we are taking are allowing us to make progress
with our new intake every year and build stronger links
with parents.
Letter sent to parents
Dear parent
As the summer holidays draw near, we want to take the opportunity
to inform you of the ways in which you can help your child
to develop his / her reading skills.
Loxford School is committed to
encouraging reading. We believe it improves thinking skills
and there is an obvious link between reading and achieving
good examination results at GCSE and A level.
We enclose a list of suggested
book titles that you may want to consider, plus an application
form to join a local library. All public libraries have
a fantastic selection of books that can be borrowed along
with a range of summer reading activities.
By helping your child to choose
a book and sitting with your child to read, you can help
their academic progress. Our expectation is that by the
start of term in September, each new Year 7 student will
be able to talk about a book they have read in the summer
holidays.
We appreciate your support in
this matter
Yours faithfully
|
Mrs L Kanolik
School Librarian
|
Lisa Thomas
Head of English |
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