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The Galaxy Reading Approach

Helping Children Advance Their Literacy Sills

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Simply, what is the
Galaxy Reading Approach?

  • A reading lesson approach made up of Launchpad Reading and Orbital Reading.
  • Launchpad reading is a whole-class reading lesson model that will complement their chosen phonics programme. It is ideal to use with children in Reception and Key Stage 1.
  • Orbital reading is a reading lesson structure that can be used in Year two and beyond.
  • Please get in touch if you would like to visit a school to see either approach in action. 

Background

Having worked with numerous schools, it became clear that they struggled to implement a daily reading lesson for younger children. Due to various barriers, they simply could not do this effectively by using a group-based approach. 
I worked with schools to build a whole class reading lesson approach for children in Reception and KS1 and called it Launchpad Reading. The approach is proving to be very effective in a range of schools and more importantly, the children love it!

Expansion

In 2022, I created Orbital Reading, the follow up approach that schools would use beyond Launchpad. Both approaches enable schools to implement a highly effective reading approach that is underpinned by research. As a package, they are called ‘The Galaxy Reading Approach.’

Why choose it?

The approach can work with different reading books as I have focused on the practice and not the resources. Therefore, the cost can be minimal. Schools find that the Launchpad lessons complement their work in phonics as it gives children a structured lesson where they can apply and deepen their learning. Orbital reading builds on this and whilst continuing to focus on fluency, it begins to have a greater reading comprehension focus.

Early Launchpad Impact & Results

After two years of implementation, schools report the following:

  • Numerous examples of strong practice identified in Ofsted inspections
  • Increased numbers of children passed the Year 1 phonics screening check.
  • Children enjoy the lessons.
  • Staff feel confident with the structure after receiving the training.
  • Children enjoy using the pointers.
  • More children read with good fluency.
  • Reception children learned to blend much sooner than previous years.

Schools:

It is my intention to continue to develop the Galaxy Reading package and I am always looking out for schools to take up the challenge.

Pearl Phonics schools

Launchpad Reading is part of the Pearl Phonics approach. The lessons complement the rigorous approach to phonics by giving schools a very clear lesson structure for reading lessons in Reception and Key Stage 1. Training for the approach is through a low-cost pre-recorded training video. Schools can also take this further by selecting. Find out more about my DfE Validated Phonics Programme, Pearl Phonics, by clicking here

 

Get involved

How do schools begin to implement Launchpad Reading or Orbital Reading?

There are various packages that schools can access. They are as follows:

Bronze

£125

  • Access to the pre-recorded training material for Launchpad or Orbital Reading (3 months access).
  • An accompanying handout PDF.

Silver

£175

  • Access to the pre-recorded training material for Launchpad and Orbital Reading.
  • Accompanying handouts as PDFs.
  • Access to the Launchpad Planning document.

Gold

£425

  • Access to the pre-recorded training material for Launchpad and Orbital Reading.
  • Accompanying handouts as PDFs.
  • Access to the Launchpad Planning document.
  • An exemplar planning support document for Launchpad Reading.
  • 60-minute bespoke follow-up webinar.

Platinum

£525

Same as Gold, however, Platinum enables you to share up to two hours of lesson footage.

You will then receive feedback and bespoke coaching points.

What do people think about The Literacy Advisor?

I thought this session was well thought out, building in complexity well and made excellent wider links for me to follow afterwards. I have just purchased two books off the back of this! Thanks so much.

Chantelle N, Teacher
The Sutton Academy

Carl came into school and provided excellent training and coaching for all my staff. His training gave staff the confidence to teach high quality engaging phonic lessons which has resulted in soaring phonics attainment. My phonics lead commented ‘Carl has transformed our phonics teaching and he has really helped me to lead phonics and support staff more effectively.

Andy Stirland, Principal
Python Hill Academy

Secondary reading: how to support pupils unable to read.

A very clear explanation on how children learn to read, the frustrations some may experience and how the ‘gap’ gets ever wider as they progress through school life if they do not get early help and support.

Jo B, School Staff (Non-teaching)
The James Hornsby School

Testimonials