1. Oxford Reading Tree Sign posting the Oxford Reading Tree A guide for parents

2. What you will know by the end of the session • You will have an understanding of the Oxford Reading Tree Scheme • You will have explored the options and development opportunities provided by the scheme • You will have discussed how you can help in supporting reading at home

3. Understanding The Oxford Reading Tree Scheme • Is a well established reading scheme which is highly successful in teaching children to read. • It makes learning to read fun with relevant stories, interesting characters and excellent illustrations to encourage discussion • It has carefully written stories using simple, natural sounding language and key words repeated and gradually extended • It has 14 stages to encourage progress with branches to provide extra practice or develop specific skills. Click on http://www.oup.co.uk/oxed/primary/ort/parents for more information

4. Beginner Readers- Stage 1-3 Enriches language, develops early literacy skills, introduces a range of texts Develops talking, listening, early phonic and book handling skills Wrens for reinforcement & Sparrows for consolidation Becoming Fluent - Stages 4-5 Consolidates language skills, develops reading confidence and strategies, expands the range of texts Increases confidence, reading strategies, reflective and research skills Sparrows for consolidation & Woodpeckers for phonics Options & Development Provided by the Scheme

5. Toward Independence - Stages 6-9 Encourages further reading practice, increases stamina, stimulates imagination, texts extended Develops insight into feelings, motivation, expression, and skills in handling more complex language and structure Robins and Jackdaws for extension reading Treetops - Stages 10-16 Provides support for those who still need it, introduces more complex narrative forms, extends reading experience Develops understanding of complex narrative forms, extends reading vocabulary Options & Development Provided by the Scheme

6. What Parents can do to help • Try to find 10 quiet minutes everyday to look at a book • If it is a new book always read it to your child first • Talk about the stories to help increase confidence - ask plenty of questions and offer praise • If they don’t get it right avoid saying ‘no that’s wrong’ - try reading it together • Encourage reading in everyday life. E.g. At the supermarket

7. Biff… • This is Biff • Biff and her family and friends feature in many of the stories • You will get to know Biff’s family VERY well