Reading in Key Stage 2 (KS2) is critically important following the foundational phonics instruction received in Key Stage 1 (KS1) for several reasons. These reasons encompass cognitive, educational, and emotional development aspects that are vital for a child's overall growth and success.

Here's why reading in KS2 is essential:

1. Building on Phonics Skills

Phonics provides the basic tools for decoding words, but reading in KS2 extends these skills by focusing on fluency, comprehension, and the ability to read more complex texts. This stage helps children move from learning to read to reading to learn.

2. Enhancing Vocabulary and Language Skills

As children read more diverse and challenging texts in KS2, they are exposed to a wider range of vocabulary and language structures. This exposure is crucial for developing their language skills, which are important for effective communication and academic success.

3. Improving Comprehension

KS2 reading programs emphasise understanding and interpreting text, going beyond simple decoding. Children learn to infer meaning, understand context, and analyse content, which are critical skills for academic achievement and everyday life.

4. Encouraging a Love for Reading

Developing a habit of reading in KS2 can foster a lifelong love of books and learning. Enjoyment of reading can lead to increased reading frequency, which further enhances literacy skills and general knowledge.

5. Supporting Cross-Curricular Learning

Reading in KS2 is not limited to English lessons: it supports learning across the curriculum. Whether in history, science, or mathematics, the ability to read and comprehend complex texts is essential for understanding subject matter and excelling in other areas.

6. Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Engaging with diverse texts and genres encourages critical thinking. Children learn to compare and contrast ideas, evaluate arguments, and develop their own opinions. These skills are essential for academic success and informed citizenship.

7. Boosting Academic Achievement

Research consistently shows a strong correlation between reading proficiency and overall academic performance. Children who read well are better equipped to succeed in all areas of the curriculum, leading to higher academic achievement.

8. Enhancing Empathy and Social Understanding

Reading stories from different perspectives and cultures helps children develop empathy and a better understanding of the world around them. This exposure can enhance their social skills and emotional intelligence.

9. Providing Cognitive Benefits

Reading stimulates cognitive development by enhancing concentration, improving memory, and increasing mental agility. It helps children develop focus and the ability to think deeply about complex issues.

10. Preparation for Secondary Education

KS2 is a crucial period for preparing children for the more demanding reading and comprehension tasks they will encounter in secondary education. Strong reading skills are fundamental for the transition to more advanced studies.

Strategies to Promote Reading in KS2

• Diverse Reading Materials: Providing a wide range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and informational texts.
• Interactive and Whole class Reading Sessions: Encouraging group discussions and guided reading to deepen comprehension. At Abbeys, we teach the Master readers approach, with daily whole class reading sessions with set texts.
• Integrating Technology: Using e-books and audiobooks to engage reluctant readers and support different learning styles.
• Parental Involvement: Encouraging parents to read with their children and discuss books at home.

By focusing on reading in KS2, we can ensure that children are not only able to decode text but also understand, interpret, and critically engage with what they read, setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Here are some examples below of the children's work in Master Readers