What should children read after Phase 5?

When children finish reading Little Wandle books they are able to read anything. But they are not finished with reading instruction.

Children are unlikely to be reading at 90 words per minute in Year 1, and so not able to read with fluency and comprehension – yet. Continued reading instruction in Year 2 is therefore crucial in order to teach fluency and enable children to become readers for life.

Use your judgement about which books suit your setting best:

• If you are thinking of using books from a reading scheme or educational publisher check that they are current, inspirational, reflect diversity and are of an appropriate level.
• If you are choosing trade books (not published by an educational publisher) then look for a reading age and assess the stamina needed to read that book.
• There are many publishers both education and trade who publish books that inspire children and take them on the path to be readers for life.

You may choose to continue to teach reading using the Little Wandle three-read method for children in Year 2, or you may decide to move to whole class comprehension. Either way, remember that reading aloud is still crucial for these children.