Literacy
Literacy

Primary 1 reading toolkit

An image of Ben bear

East Dunbartonshire’s Intervention Team, in conjunction with Anne Neil from Strathclyde University, have created a package of reading tools to be used by pupils in Primary 1 to enhance their understanding of texts.

The toolkit encourages pupils to take responsibility for their own learning, equipping them with techniques that they can apply to both familiar and unfamiliar texts. When using the tools, pupils are involved in and engaged with their learning.

Ben Bear

The toolkit is based on a character called Ben Bear, who carries different tools that you would come across in school in his backpack. Not all tools are introduced at once; teachers introduce and model the use of a few per session until children are familiar with and practised in the use of all of the tools.

This eye-catching resource will capture pupils' interest and allow them to make graphic associations with the reading techniques. Parental involvement with and understanding of the techniques is ensured through the use of information leaflets and workshops.


Reading tools

Below are details of all the tools found within the kit. Explanations and examples of the colourful pictures used are provided for each of them:


An image of a pencil

Pencil tool - Look at the pictures

Pupils are encouraged to look at the picture on the front cover. This can give clues about characters, setting and plot, and help pupils predict what might happen next. Pupils can also view the pictures throughout the story to clarify meaning.

An image of a Pencil case

Pencil case tool - Read the title

The title gives important clues as to what the book will be about. The tool can also be used to reinforce print concepts such as number of words, punctuation and font.

An image of a book

Book tool - Read the blurb

Pupils are encouraged to read the blurb before reading the main text. This enables them to confirm their front cover predictions and provides information about the contents of the book.

An image of a sandwich

Sandwich tool - Use what you know already

Pupils are given the opportunity to access their prior knowledge to help them gain understanding of the text. This can also be used to enable them to decode words.

an image of an eraser

Eraser tool - Look at the first letters

The first letter(s) will often give a clue to what the rest of the word will say. This can be used in conjunction with the other tools.

An image of a purse

Purse tool - Look at the length of the word

Pupils can look at the length of the word to establish whether their initial reading makes sense. When faced with long words, they can look for familiar words within words and break them down into smaller chunks.

An image of a box of crayons

Crayons tool - Sound it out

Pupils use their knowledge of phonics to decode or sound out words.

An image of a ruler

Ruler tool - Think of word families

Pupils are asked to think of other words with the same spelling pattern - this may include those with the same rimes from onset and rime work. Links can then be made with other words and patterns can be established.

An image of a juice carton

Juice carton tool - Read on

By reading to the end of the sentence, pupils can check if it makes sense. If not, they are encouraged to use the other tools to make a more informed word choice.

An image of a pair of glasses

Glasses tool - Read again

Pupils can check for understanding by reading the whole sentence or paragraph again.

an image of an apple

Apple tool - Ask for help

This should be done once the pupil has tried the other tools. This allows the development of independent learning skills.