SKiPPS Newsletter

Literacy News

Classroom Novels

Why do teachers read aloud in their classrooms?

 

As classroom teachers, we know all about the importance of reading aloud to our students which is why we engage in classroom novels. Reading aloud to children is an engaging activity that stimulates language skills. It can result in rich conversations and provoke memory sharing, motivation and create genuine curiosity. 

 

In a recent publication, Riss Leung, the Oz Lit Teacher, shared the following 6 reasons why it is so important that students are listening to their teachers share books at school.

  1. Read-alouds immerse students in the joy of reading for pleasure.
  2. Read-alouds give students access to books outside of their independent reading level.
  3. Read-alouds expose students to new vocabulary.
  4. Read-alouds provide a shared experience.
  5. Read-alouds provide students with a model of fluent reading.
  6. Read-alouds expose students to new authors, texts and genres.

Currently some of the novels that are being shared in classrooms are;

 

Currently some of the novels that are being shared in classrooms are;

  • Foundation J : Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl
  • Foundation B : The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton
  • Foundation N : The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl
  • 1/2 J : Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl
  • 1/2L : Esio Trot by Roald Dahl   
  • 1/2R : Secret Seven by Enid Blyton 
  • 1/2P : James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
  • 3/4E : The BFG by Roald Dahl 
  • 3/4 B & G : Mr Penguin and the Catastrophic Cruise By 
  • Alex T Smith
  • 3/4J : Greek Myths

 

  • 5/6 : Currently carrying out a class novel as a part of their Literature Study His Name Was Walter by Emily Rodda.

 

Stay tuned for some book reviews from the students over the coming newsletters! 

 

Sharing a book at home is equally as rich and stimulating and a special time for you and your child/children to spend together. It might involve you doing all the reading, or you might take turns at reading a page. Children should continue to have a book that they are reading independently but it is also beneficial to have another one on the go that they are listening to. If you would like any recommendations on books to read together, please feel free to come and see me or email me at the address below.       

Book Recommendations

Picture Story Book

Elki is Not My Dog  by Elena Arevalo Melville

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A group of children come across an exhausted stray dog and choose kindness to help her and look after her. The dog is not allowed to stay in their apartment block, but the community come together to ensure the best result for everyone. A beautiful story emphasising children and their empathy.

 

Middle Fiction

Tashi Series by Anna  & Barbara Fienberg

The Tashi books were written by Australian authors Anna and Barbara Fienberg (a mother and daughter). In the first story, Jack has a new friend called Tashi, who comes from a place very far away.

 

Learn how Tashi escaped from a war lord and flew to this country on a swan. In other stories, read about a big smelly giant, a haunted house, and a proud golden phoenix. Tashi needs to be very clever when the Book of Spells is stolen and almost magical when he tries to save the Baron’s dog. 

 

This is a fabulous series for children wanting to start reading chapter books. There is an entire series and they are relatively short. 

 

Stay tuned for an exciting announcement that involves the author of Tashi and the SKiPPS students in Years 3-6.

Interview with Allison Shanahan, Garden Specialist 

What are you reading at the moment?   

'Americanah' by  Chimamanda Ngoni Adichie 

 

Why did you choose that book?

I was recommended this book by a friend alongside 'Half of a Yellow Sun' written by the same author. I really enjoy the historical elements interwoven within a fictional story. Not only are they interesting stories but they also change the way you look at the world. 

 

What is the story about?

It’s a book about racial diversity, a story of love and the hardships of immigration. 

 

Ifemelu and Obinze, the two main characters are Highschool sweethearts in a military ruled Nigeria. The story is written from both their perspectives and cleverly jumps forward and backward in time. Ifemelu writes a blog about her experiences in America, (during the time Obama was running for presidency) reflecting on what it means to be black despite her academic success. She writes about friendship and connection and understanding.

 

Some take aways...

 

Listen and hear what is being said. 

If you don't understand, ask questions. 

If you’re uncomfortable about asking questions, say you’re uncomfortable. 

Then listen some more. 

Sometimes people just want to be heard. 

 

Did you enjoy the book?

 There are some really rich pieces of descriptive language which I really enjoyed.

 

"In the morning, the sky was overcast with slate-grey cloud, the air thick with rain foreboding. From nearby, a clutch of birds screeched and flew away. The rain would come down, a sea unleashed from the sky… phone networks would clog, the roads would flood and traffic would gnarl.” 

I would recommend both of these books to others who are interested in exploring and understanding Nigerian history and racial diversity and acceptance. I haven't quite finished Americanah. I hope the two main characters are reunited back in a newly democratic Nigeria after years of being apart. 

BOOK CONTACTING

As I continue to find myself in book shops and at school fairs buying new books for our classroom libraries, my pile of books that require contacting is ENORMOUS!!! If you can help out, please see me at school drop-off or pick up or, see Wendy in the office and she will give you a bag of books and some contact.

Thank you in advance.

THANK YOU!!! 

 

Jac Morphy

Leading Teacher - Literacy

jacqueline.morphy@education.vic.gov.au