At Anderson’s we are well aware that reading is not just about being able to decode or read the words on the page; more importantly, it is about understanding what you are reading. Your child is being taught phonics or sounds to help them decode the words and the Higher Order Reading method teaches them to understand the meaning of the text. Part of this method of teaching reading is to encourage your child to take time to think when reading; in effect they have to think about their thinking. Higher Order Reading provides the child with the strategies they need to allow them to develop a fuller understanding of the text; it encourages them to engage with the text and question their thinking. As a result their understanding will be deeper and they will become better, more confident readers. To begin with the children use a book they are familiar with or an ‘easier’ text. This lets them focus on developing ‘understanding strategies’ rather than the decoding of the words. Children may also take longer to complete a book – this allows their learning to become more secure.
Anderson’s is involved in supporting this method of reading across the Authority by providing training for teachers, sharing resources and arranging for teachers to visit to watch lessons taking place. The link below gives further information about the skills we teach.
