Watts Books

"Reading Champion books are designed to appeal to every child, and feature diverse characters, vibrant artwork and contemporary topics. There’s lots of choice too, with over 150 books available for Reception, Key Stage 1 (ages 4-7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11)." - Reading Champions

What is Reading Champion?

"Reading Champion is a series of fun, modern reading books specifically written to support independent reading ie. reading with little or no help from a teacher, parent or carer. Featuring vibrant artwork and exciting, contemporary topics, these books are designed to make children want to pick them up and start reading! Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child’s reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure." - Reading Champions

"Unlike other reading schemes, all Reading Champion books have been levelled according to UCL’s official criteria for independent reading. Key Stage 1 books support the band numbers and colours used in school. Key Stage 2 books are the only officially levelled books for this age group, so you can be confident of picking a book at the right reading level for each child." - Reading Champions

The Key Stage 2 Reading Champion Books are suggested for use as follows:

Independent Reading 11: start of Year 3 or age 7+
Independent Reading 12: end of Year 3 or age 7+
Independent Reading 13: start of Year 4 or age 8+
Independent Reading 14: end of Year 4 or age 8+
Independent Reading 15: start of Year 5 or age 9+
Independent Reading 16: end of Year 5 or age 9+
Independent Reading 17: start of Year 6 or age 10+
Independent Reading 18: end of Year 6 or age 10+

Check out Reading Champion's official website at reading-champion.co.uk

"Many reading schemes offer the same books for guided and independent reading. However Reading Champion has been specifically written to support independent reading and literacy consultants have worked with authors to ensure that each book provides the right level of challenge for reading unaided or with little help." - Reading Champions

What is independent reading?

"Independent reading is reading unaided or with little help, as opposed to guided reading at school where children have the support of a teacher, teaching assistant or reading helper.

It’s important to ensure that children are choosing independent reading books with the right level of challenge so that they enjoy the story. If the books are too easy children will not develop their reading skills, but if they are too hard then children can become frustrated. Reading Champion is specifically written for independent reading, so each book has been carefully graded to ensure it is at the right level for reading unaided." - Reading Champions

What are book bands?

"Books used for guided reading at school are usually assigned a coloured and/or numbered book band to indicate the level of challenge of the book, this helps to track a child’s reading progress.

Reading Champion is linked to book bands to help children select the right level books for independent reading. Key Stage 1 (4-7 year olds or Reception to Year 2) books are indicated by a coloured and numbered band (e.g. Yellow 3). Key Stage 2 books are indicated by the black logo and progress from level 11 (7 year olds or those in Year 3) to level 18 (11 year olds or those in Year 6). If your child is reading book band Turquoise 7 at school, then Reading Champion Turquoise 7 books should offer the right level of challenge for independent reading at home." - Reading Champions

How should I use Reading Champion with my child?

"Use the book band that your child is reading at school to help them choose a book that is at the right level for their ability. You should decide together whether your child will read the story independently or read it aloud to you. If reading aloud then you should support your child if they hesitate or ask for help. If reading to themselves, remind your child that they can come and ask for help if they get stuck.

Each book contains guidance notes for parents and carers using the books at home. These notes include questions to ask before they start reading, such as “Why did you choose this book? Why do you think you will enjoy it?”, as well as suggested questions and a fun comprehension activity for after they have read the book. These questions aim to help children learn to make good choices when choosing independent reading books, and support their comprehension of the story." - Reading Champions