What is Reading Recovery?
Reading Recovery is a short-term, early literacy intervention designed for children in Senior Infants/1st Class who are finding learning to read and write more challenging than their peers. It is a well-established, evidence-based programme used internationally to support young learners at a critical stage in their reading development.
The goal of Reading Recovery is to help children build the skills and confidence they need to become independent, successful readers and writers as quickly as possible.
Who Is Reading Recovery For?
Reading Recovery is offered to children who, after careful assessment, are identified as needing additional, intensive support with early reading and writing. These children are not expected to “catch up on their own” without targeted help.
Participation in Reading Recovery is temporary. Once a child has made sufficient progress and can work successfully in the classroom reading programme, they discontinue the intervention.
What Does Reading Recovery Look Like?
Children in Reading Recovery:
- Work one-to-one with a specially trained Reading Recovery teacher
- Receive a daily 30-minute lesson for a limited period of time (usually 12–20 weeks)
- Engage in reading, writing, word work, and problem-solving activities tailored specifically to their needs
Lessons are carefully structured but flexible, allowing the teacher to respond to each child’s strengths, needs, and progress.
How Does Reading Recovery Help?
Reading Recovery focuses on helping children:
- Develop effective strategies for reading unfamiliar texts
- Strengthen understanding of letters, sounds, and words
- Improve fluency, comprehension, and confidence
- Learn how to monitor their own reading and self-correct
- Build a positive identity as a reader and writer
Because the teaching is individual and intensive, children are able to make accelerated progress.
How Are Children Selected and Monitored?
Children are selected for Reading Recovery following classroom observation and formal literacy assessments. Progress is monitored closely throughout the programme using ongoing observation and assessment tools.
When a child is ready to return fully to classroom instruction without additional support, this decision is made carefully and in consultation with classroom teachers.
How Can Families Support at Home?
Families play an important role in supporting children in Reading Recovery. You can help by:
- Reading with your child every day and talking about the story
- Encouraging your child to talk about what they notice, wonder, or enjoy in books
- Praising effort and progress, not just accuracy
- Keeping reading time relaxed, positive, and enjoyable
Your child’s Reading Recovery teacher may also provide specific guidance or book suggestions to support learning at home.
Our Commitment
Reading Recovery reflects our school’s commitment to early intervention and ensuring every child has the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader. By providing timely, expert support, we aim to give children the strongest possible foundation for future learning. Mrs Doris was our first ever Reading Recovery Teacher. Ms McCaffrey has taken over this role in recent years.
If you have questions about Reading Recovery or would like more information, please contact the school on (049) 4339929 or Secretary@carrigallenns.ie for further discussion.
