News from the Library

Life Long Readers

If we want our students to become lifelong readers, then we need to teach it as a skill.

Last Sunday there was an article on the front page of The Age talking about how libraries are understaffed and dying in schools. On page 5 there was an article which talked about how students don’t read and how literacy rates are falling. There is a large connection between these two articles.

The libraries at GNLC believe that reading is an essential skill in life, like Maths and English proficiency. Yet we don’t let go and assume that students will keep up their Maths after Primary School, so why should we assume that they will become lifelong readers by osmosis.

Recently GNLC Senior library has started a Reading Program for all students from Year 6 to Year 9 in conjunction with the English Faculty. This program focuses on reading as a skill for life. 

Students are asked to learn to read for longer – learning concentration. They are shown how to select reading material they like – promoting an interest in reading. They are asked to make a time for reading….ah, maybe that is the most important one. Reading does not just happen!

An injection of new quality targeted content has been added to the SY library. Once a fortnight students come to the library and do their “reading bootcamp”. So far, so good. The results in Week three have already demonstrated more borrowing of books, but more importantly, more students finishing books. Students have taken on the challenge to read at least two books per term which are not set class texts. 

Reading regularly builds language, concentration, and imagination. Reading Rocks! So long as you make time and have a good book.

Modeling also works – so “What are you reading?”

Catherine Ryan

Library Manager