St Richard Reynolds is fortunate enough to have a new, state-of-the-art, sensory Primary Library. Opened in March 2017 it stocks over7500 fiction, non-fiction and reference books which are invaluable resources to support classroom learning.
Classes have a timetabled library session each week, either with Mrs Parker, our College Librarian, or with their class teacher, so they can select new library books. In addition, Junior children are actively encouraged to visit the library at break time or at the end of each day to change their books, if required.
To aid classification and retrieval of books, the library uses the Dewey Decimal system for non-fiction books. In upper Key Stage 2, children are taught to use this Dewey system in preparation for independent research in secondary school, and to take responsibility for the upkeep of the library by becoming Junior Librarians.
Mrs Parker also runs the Battle of the Books reading competition in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, reading challenges, themed reading days and book clubs.
Literary Events
There are many events for the children throughout the course of the school year to promote literacy and reading for enjoyment, including Roald Dahl Day, National Poetry Day, Book Week and the Termly Reading Challenge. Classes also visit the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival.
‘Read Aloud’
The ‘Read Aloud’ initiative is designed to encourage parents to read to their children from Reception right the way through to the end of Primary school.
Recent studies show that only 17% of children between the ages of 9 –11 years are read to. At St Richard Reynolds we feel that a child will benefit greatly if they are read to and that it is important to maintain this activity with older children. These benefits can include improved vocabulary and fluency, as well as continuing to foster a love of reading.
Each month Mrs Parker selects a book that is suitable to be read aloud to children in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and details about the book are sent home via Parent Mail at the beginning of the month.