Reading for Pleasure
Research
The Million Word Gap (often referred to as the 30-million-word gap) describes differences in children’s early language experiences. Research shows that by age three, some children have heard millions more words than others, depending on their home and learning environments.
Early exposure to rich language supports vocabulary development, communication skills, and later success in reading and learning. Importantly, it’s not just the number of words children hear that matters, but the quality of interaction, such as conversations, storytelling, and responsive communication.
The gap is influenced by factors like time, access to resources, and family circumstances—not by a child’s ability or potential. That is why we at St Dominic's focus on creating strong language opportunities for all children through supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environments.
By promoting early talk, reading, and meaningful interaction, we can work together to support every child’s language development.
Reading for Pleasure at St Dominic's
At St Dominic's we value reading for pleasure and make regular time for it in all year groups. During these sessions, an adult reads aloud while children sit, listen, and simply enjoy the story. This is a special opportunity for pupils to relax, absorb rich language, and experience the joy of books without pressure or expectation. Being read to helps children develop a love of reading, builds vocabulary and comprehension, and supports imagination and emotional wellbeing. These calm, shared moments allow children to engage with stories in a way they don’t often experience, making reading a positive and memorable part of the school day.
In addition, children take home two carefully chosen books each week. One is a phonetically matched reading book to support the development of early reading skills and confidence, while the other is a reading for pleasure book, chosen to be shared and enjoyed at home. This approach helps bridge the gap between school and home, encouraging families to read together and reinforcing the message that reading is not only a skill to be practised, but an experience to be enjoyed. By extending reading beyond the classroom, we aim to inspire curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of books.
