Literacy News

Can you believe we only have a bit over a month until the end of the year?

We had an exciting delivery of new Scholastic materials today. I’d like to send a big thank you to the PFOL, and especially to Faith Bell, for their support of the Scholastic Book Club. The school receives reward dollars when children buy items through the Book Club, which we can then use to stock up on literacy resources. Even with lockdown, we had enough money to buy some phonics, alphabet and word games and activities for the junior classes and some comprehension resources for the year 3 - 6 classes. What a great haul!

I had the pleasure of meeting our new prep students and their families last week at prep orientation. A couple of people asked for apps or websites that are good for early learners. There is so much out there and it’s often hard to know where to start. I have put together a list to share with them, but I thought I’d also include it in the newsletter, in case anyone else with younger children is looking for some educational games. It’s by no means an exhaustive list! I have mainly included apps and sites that are either free or have a free version, but I did also put Reading Eggs on the list, which we have used at school in the past. Reading with your child at any age is one of the best ways to develop their literacy skills, but it’s always good to have variety and to find things that students enjoy engaging with too.

Best of luck with the remainder of the term. As always, if you need to discuss any aspect of our literacy program, do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Annie Facchinetti

Literacy Leader

annie.facchinetti@olhceltham.catholic.edu.au

Literacy Apps and Websites for younger students

Free

These websites and apps all have free or Lite versions, although some may offer in-app purchases.

Storyline Online

Access to lots of stories read by celebrities. Great to start conversations with your child about what they have seen and heard.