News

Fine print

It's important that parents do not put pressure on their children to start reading before they are ready, says Penny Tassoni, and taking a relaxed approach will reap far more benefits The introduction of the Foundation Stage has brought with it a more relaxed approach to reading. Many practitioners, including Louise Burnham, a reception teacher in Hayes, Kent, have welcomed this. She says, 'Previously, some children were not ready, and many simply lost enthusiasm and confidence. Many children in my class are really benefiting from taking the time to enjoy books rather than being pushed simply to decode them.'

The introduction of the Foundation Stage has brought with it a more relaxed approach to reading. Many practitioners, including Louise Burnham, a reception teacher in Hayes, Kent, have welcomed this. She says, 'Previously, some children were not ready, and many simply lost enthusiasm and confidence. Many children in my class are really benefiting from taking the time to enjoy books rather than being pushed simply to decode them.'

While most practitioners are happy with the approach taken by the Foundation Stage, many parents are concerned about whether children are being 'stretched enough'. A stroll around any large bookshop will reveal a mass of books aimed at helping parents to teach their children to learn to read at home. The formal testing of reading at the end of the infant phase of education, with accompanying league tables, is thought to be in part responsible for raising parental anxiety.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here