THE KEY STAGE 2 READING CHALLENGE
In 2018 we introduced the children in Key Stage 2
to our Reading Challenge. It has four main aims:
HOW DOES THE CHALLENGE WORK?
Each year group has a list of 18 books to read.
These books are divided into the following sections:
The children receive badges and certificates for reading:
This is the Year 4 Box.
Each year group has their own unique box of books that have been specially selected to challenge our readers.
1. Select a book from the box.
Some are easier and will take a few days. Some are harder and will take considerably longer!
4. Take it home and read it!
This could be on your own – or with a grown up.
In fact SOME books are better shared with a grown up – and some are more difficult and you might NEED a grown up!
2. Locate the ticket in the book
Reading challenge books all contain a colour coded ticket that helps differentiate them from other books in school.
5. Rate the book.
Decide how you feel about the book. Did you enjoy it? What was your favourite part? Would you recommend it to others?
Each class will decide on their own rating system - it could be emojos, a star rating or a colour code.
3. Sign out the book.
This helps us to keep track of your progress and lets other readers know who is reading each book.
6. Review the book.
Each class has set up an age appropriate book review sheet – but the “review” could also be extended by video message / reading group or over tea and biscuits as well!
CHOOSING THE TEXTS:
At St. Gerard's it is our intention to immerse children in high quality literature over their time in school.
We want children to experience a progressively challenging reading journey that encompasses a diverse range of authors, genres and themes. We believe this will help improve their reading ability and promote a love of reading that will last a lifetime.
Lexile measures have been used to decide on the appropriate level of challenge for the pupils. We have setlected a varied diet of books across each Lexile range.
Our choices also includes authors who have been awarded a Children’s Laureate - an award given once every two years to an eminent writer to celebrate outstanding achievement in their field.
These authors are:
Quentin Blake (1999-2001)
Anne Fine (2001-2003)
Michael Morpurgo (2003-2005)
Jacqueline Wilson (2005-2007)
Michel Rosen (2007-2009)
Anthony Browne (2009-2011)
Julia Donaldson (2011-2013)
Malorie Blackman (2013-2015)
Chris Riddell (2015-2017)
Lauren Child (2017-2019)
USEFUL READING CHALLENGE DOCUMENTS: