iReads in Key Stage 1

Dear DBIS Families, 

As per previous communication, when students reach the brown book banded level (after lime), they are secure and fluent readers and are ready to read longer chapter books at home. Therefore, we will no longer send home weekly class readers when students reach this level. Instead, we will focus on their library book selection, ensuring they are choosing challenging yet accessible and inspiring books. 

Our expectation remains that students read for at least 15 minutes each day, and students will still fill in their reading diaries. Once students begin to read at this level, they will begin to work towards iRead certificates. iRead certificates are a reading system used in Years 3–6 at DBIS to encourage independent reading at home and foster a love of books.

For every 15 minutes that a student reads, they collect 1 iRead point. The iRead wheel is stuck into the students’ reading diaries. When a child reaches 5 iRead points, they receive a gold star on their wheel. Then they must be reach 10 points for the next star etc. until they reach 100 points. They will then receive a certificate before moving onto the next wheel. 

Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher if you would like to discuss iReads or any aspect of the home reading programme. 

Thank you for your ongoing support. 

Kind regards, 

Bryony Wilson and Georgina Clothier

English Curriculum Leaders