Beyond Phonics | Phonics Books for Schools - Peters
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Beyond phonics: how to reach struggling readers in KS2 and KS3

Phonics books for developmental reading and writing

October 20th 2024

Many of the schools we work with tell us they are searching for Beyond Phonics reading materials: books which will engage children in Key Stage 2 and above who are still struggling with their reading skills. 
Children's Book Specialist Zeena imparts advice on selecting the right books to reach these pupils. Plus, she shares her recommendations to help you build your library or classroom collections for KS2 and KS3 students with reading ages 5 to 11.

Zeena | Children's Book Specialist

Zeena was a junior school teacher for 34 years before joining Peters. She has also tried a variety of other jobs including nannying, ICT, financial consultancy, and even managing a diet clinic on Harley Street, but teaching was the only thing to give her real job satisfaction.

She joined the Peters team in early 2019 and is having lots of fun reading picture books!

The current picture in schools

The Department for Education states that by the end of Year 1, most children should have passed their phonics screening test and be able to decode simple words. It also states that being able to read accurately by age 6 has a strong correlation with future academic success.

Most schools provide targeted help for identified pupils who have fallen behind in reading to ensure that they catch up quickly. This may include small group or one-to-one sessions, providing extra staff to support the pupils or regularly assessing the pupils’ phonics skills to identify specific areas of difficulty.

So, what happens to children who, despite regular interventions, still don’t master the school’s chosen phonics programme? In 2022, nearly 175,000 pupils in England did not meet the expected standard in reading during their last year of primary school, known as Year 6 SATs, and because of this, approximately a quarter of all Year 7 pupils still have a reading age below 11 years. Consequently, these struggling readers face challenges in keeping up with secondary school subjects.

Choosing the right phonics books for struggling readers

Evidence indicates that pupils who struggle with phonics often become reluctant readers as they continue to struggle across all areas of school life. Therefore, it is imperative that schools encourage reluctant readers in KS2 and KS3 by offering thoughtful book choices such as graphic novels for teens to help with developmental reading and writing. They deserve books that honour their interests while addressing their reading abilities. Here are some tips for building a book collection for reluctant readers:

  • Select engaging books with lively storylines, strong characters and relatable themes.

  • Expose pupils to different reading styles and genres.

  • Increase the pupil’s interest in the art of reading by offering texts with content they want to read, about things that matter to them, and titles which give them access to worlds that are beyond the boundaries set by their reading skills.

  • Consider series books, as they often keep readers hooked.

  • Offer a range of primary graphic novels or secondary graphic novels which appeal to visual learners and reluctant readers.

  • Explore titles from Barrington Stoke who are known for engaging less able and dyslexic readers.

  • Introduce readers to HiLo books – High interest, lower reading level, which offer engaging and age-appropriate content whilst catering to those who find reading difficult.

  • Provide books with short sentences and short chapters and short sentences, short chapter books helps give the reader a sense of accomplishment after reading, setting them up for success.

  • Ensure that front covers and characters are appropriate for the age group and don’t come across as ‘babyish’.

  • Select a range of non-fiction books with small chunks of entertaining information, photographs with captions, informational sidebars and critical thinking prompts.

How we can help

At Peters we believe that all children, regardless of reading ability should have access to books from a broad range of diverse genres which cater to various interests and reading abilities. This inevitably should spark curiosity and foster a love for reading.

We have selected a range of titles specifically for students who have completed the school’s phonics programme but are still struggling to read and are not ready for challenging or longer texts. These include beginner reads, short chapter fiction, leisure non-fiction, graphic novels and older picture books, with content appropriate for Lower Key Stage 2 up to Key Stage 3.

LKS2 Beyond Phonics books

Reading age: 5-7 years

UKS2 Beyond Phonics books

Reading age: 5-7 years

Reading age: 7-9 years

KS3 Beyond Phonics books

Reading age: 5-7 years

Reading age: 7-9 years

Reading age: 9-11 years

 

Looking for bespoke help? Get in touch

If you need further advice with selecting books for struggling readers in your school, we can help. Simply fill out our online contact form or email us at hello@peters.co.uk with your query.

 

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