Reading Plus

In Years 5 and 6 we use an online reading program called Reading Plus (research-based silent reading intervention that helps students gain proficiency by improving comprehension, reading rate, and vocabulary) which helps develop and improve three particular skills in reading.  Each child has their own log in and password to access the program.

What is Reading Plus?

Reading Plus is a program for children that teaches them to be stronger readers. It does this by developing silent reading fluency (reading speed), then introducing more complex stories (for comprehension), and advanced vocabulary (for knowledge). Children have access to 800+ high quality online texts that are constantly updated and adapted to meet every child’s needs, regardless of what level they are reading at. Teachers can monitor exactly what and how children are reading, meaning they can offer the right kind of support when needed.

What will my child gain from using the program?

First and foremost, we hope that they will get a lot of enjoyment from using Reading Plus! The stories are short and engaging to keep levels of motivation high, and your child will read about many things outside of their normal scope of reading - anything from ‘What can one child do to save the world?’ to the future of AI. Your child will challenge themselves to become a better reader and in doing so, develop better reading habits. They will gain a greater understanding of what they have read and be better prepared for tests such as Year 6 SATs.

How does Reading Plus work?

Children choose a text (typically 6-7 minutes in length) from a level appropriate to their reading ability. Once they finish the story they answer 10 questions to test if they understood what they have just read. Teachers can see reports detailing your child’s progress. Worksheets are available for extra support with specific reading skills. Reading Plus is not meant to replace reading books, and Reading Plus is not just an eLibrary - the program is designed to teach your child to become a more efficient reader which will add to their enjoyment of reading independently - developing a lifelong love for reading.

How does my child log in?

Your school should have sent you information on how to log in including a site code (which is unique to the school) and your child’s username and password. If you are unsure of any of these, please get in touch with your child’s teacher.

Does Reading Plus work on a laptop or an iPad?

Yes, Reading Plus runs on laptops and iPads, as well as iPads Minis, tablets, Chromebooks, desktops and MacBooks. We wouldn’t recommend using Reading Plus on a smart phone simply because the text is too small to read effectively.

Do I need to download an app?

Reading Plus doesn’t need an app downloading - it’s all accessed through a secure website.

How long should my child be on Reading Plus?

Ideally every day for about 30 minutes (at home and in school combined), but at least 3 times a week. Little and often is best! 

Why does the program use the moving bar when my child reads the stories?

We call this the ‘Guided Window’. The Guided Window was developed to teach children to navigate across lines of text sequentially - this is sometimes called left to right scanning (try putting your finger on a word and moving it across the page!). You can find out more by searching for ‘Reading Plus Efficiency Brief’ free downloadable research summary.