Learning & Teaching

Home Reading Update

Developing strong readers is one of the most important partnerships we have with our families. This term, we are excited to share some updates to our home reading program.

Prep - Year 2: Decodable Readers

Students in Prep to Year 2 who are participating in the Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics program will now begin bringing home decodable readers.

Unlike traditional readers, decodable books are carefully matched to the phonics knowledge your child has been taught at school. This means students can apply the sounds they know to successfully decode and read unfamiliar words, helping to build confidence, accuracy and fluency.

When reading together at home, you can support your child by:

• encouraging them to use their sounds to read unfamiliar words ("Use your Fred Talk");
• allowing them time to blend the sounds together rather than guessing from the pictures;
• praising their effort and persistence; and
• reading the story back together afterwards so they can focus on understanding and enjoying the text.

Remember, while your child is learning to read, it is equally important that you continue to read to them every day. Hearing fluent, expressive reading helps develop vocabulary, comprehension and a lifelong love of books.

Year 3 - Year 6: ePlatform Digital Library

Students in Years 3 – 6 now have access to ePlatform, our new digital library for home reading.

ePlatform gives students access to a wide range of high-quality eBooks that can be enjoyed on a computer, tablet or mobile device. Students can browse the collection, borrow a book, or reserve a title if it is currently on loan - just like visiting a physical library.

Students can:

• borrow one book at a time for a two-week loan period;
• reserve popular titles that are currently unavailable;
• read anywhere using their school login; and
• enjoy books that match their interests and reading ability.

We encourage families to make reading part of their daily routine. Even 10–20 minutes of reading each day has a significant impact on vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and overall academic success.

Thank you for your continued support in helping your child become a confident and enthusiastic reader.