What are the objectives of the Reading Record and Learning Tools ?
- to maintain a record of the books being read from the Reading Scheme books and free choice books.
- to elicit responses from the text through tools that encourage the child to read for meaning
- to promote motivation and reward achievement through three levels of certificates that are linked to the Learning Tools and agreed targets.

What is the difference between the Log Format and Diary Format?

The Log Format has pre-defined spaces with a small activity allocated to each log. The Diary Format has free form columns. The tools are exactly the same in both books.

How should I use the Reading Record Booklets?
The booklets are to be used as a Home-school link to maintain a log of the books being read. The Learning Tools are interspread between the pages.. The teacher can direct the class to complete a particular Learning Tool or the child can complete the Learning tool based on the last book logged.

The learning tools are designed to consolidate the reading, give meaning to the text and develop the essential skills of writing. The teacher needs to decide at the beginning of each term how many tools the children need to complete before certificates are awarded. A special award has been incorporated in the Blue Book -Headteacher's award. This acknowledges the committment and dedication given to both the reading and the completition of the tools and it also sets out targets for children to take to their Secondary School.

At Key Stage 1, the Green, Red and Purple booklets can be used to log books read from both the Reading Scheme books and free choice books.

What length of time is required for each tool?
Some tools take a few minutes to complete, whilst others can be paced out over a week or more.

How is the booklet linked to the NLS and EYFS?
We have mapped each tool to the NLS. The mapping is for each year group. Therefore, any teacher in any year group can use the document to find the tools that will support class teaching. The Year R booklet has been mapped to the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile.

You have aimed the booklets as a Home-school link. How should I engage the parents?
Organise an introductory session with parents/carer to explain the book format and use this forum to set out your expectations, committment to listening to their children read and the mechanism on how to use the booklets to provide feedback.

The key messages are that:
1. the booklet is a shared three way partnership between the child, parent and teacher.
2. in the early years children are learning the technical operation of learning to read
3. children should be reading for meaning and the importance of expressing and articulating the text through written and spoken word. The importance of the Learning tools in bringing together the skills of reading, writing and comprehension.

You may find the list of references on the website link below of interest. www.sheffield.ac.uk/literacy/publications/ home_school.html

Parents have varying needs and differ in attitude towards schools. Schools often have to work hard to develop relationships and use collaborative approaches with parents. Where this is effectively managed, the children come into the classroom, having read and discussed the text and perhaps shared broader experiences with the parent. The winner in this process are both the child and the teacher. The teacher can now work at a different level, consolidate gaps and reinforce concepts. We have read many times on End of Year Reports, of the contribution from home and how this has shaped the child's learning. Parents greatly appreciate respect shown towards their contribution to their child's work.

Research indicates that gains in reading are greatest when parents and schools work together to promote literacy. . As well as improving literacy, this partnership helps to build mutual respect and trust between the home and the school.

How should the tools be assessed?
The core principle behind the process of assessment is that the child learns and recognises how to improve. If your school is currently using a card or a book to log the number of books being read then the assessment for this generally follows the format that the teacher reviews comments, responds and signs.

For schools who want to strengthen the Home-School link and want parents to actively be involved in listening to their child read and discuss the text, then the Reading Record and Learning Tools booklets are a sound strategy to follow.

You may find the document by QCA on Assessment for Learning (AfL) of interest. We have quoted the characteristics of AfL from the website. This can be downloaded using the link below. http://www.qca.org.uk/ages3-14/66.html

Characteristics of Assessment for Learning (AfL)
"Effective assessment for learning happens all the time in the classroom. It involves:
- sharing learning goals with pupils
- helping pupils know and recognise the standards to aim for
- providing feedback that helps pupils to identify how to improve
- believing that every pupil can improve in comparison with previous achievements
- both the teacher and pupils reviewing and reflecting on pupils' performance and progress
- pupils learning self-assessment techniques to discover areas they need to improve
- recognising that both motivation and self-esteem, crucial for effective learning and progress, can be increased by effective assessment techniques.

Reference : http://www.qca.org.uk/ages3-14/66.html

Can I use the tools during the Literacy hour?
Yes, you can incorporate this booklet as part of the Literacy Hour and many schools are also using the booklet during the Guided Reading session.

Should I replace the existing Reading Record books?
You must ask yourself what the literacy objectives of the school are, and does the existing booklet adequately support these objectives.

Do I have to have a book for each child?
Yes.

What is the difference between the booklets?
There are seven booklets in the series with a booklet for each year group. The Learning Tools have been mapped to the NLS a for each year group.

The Green booklet has been mapped to meet the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile.

We have colour coded the books to give you flexibility to meet the varying needs of children at both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

How should I use the Certificates?
Based on the targets set at the beginning of the year, appropriate certificates should be issued.

Can I suggest changes for future releases?
Certainly, the current version has been driven by Literacy Co-ordinators from a number of schools. We value feedback and will endeavour to meet your needs.

Email your views to www.readingrecord.co.uk or complete the form below: