Literacy
The Magic of Fairytales in Prep I
There is something truly special about fairytales. Passed down through generations, these timeless stories continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of young readers. At Holy Family, during Term 2, our Prep students will be immersed in both traditional and fractured fairytales, opening the door to a rich and engaging world of storytelling.
Fairytales are often a child’s first introduction to literature. With their enchanting characters, magical settings, and clear story structures, they provide the perfect foundation for developing early reading skills. Stories such as classic fairytales help children understand key elements like characters, settings, problems, and solutions in a simple and memorable way.
By exploring traditional fairytales, children become familiar with well-known tales that have stood the test of time. These stories often carry important messages about kindness, bravery, honesty, and perseverance. Through repeated reading and discussion, students begin to recognise these themes and reflect on how they relate to their own lives.
Alongside this, students will also enjoy fractured fairytales—modern, playful twists on the originals. These versions encourage children to think more deeply, compare stories, and even question what they expect to happen. This not only builds comprehension skills but also sparks creativity and critical thinking.
Reading fairytales supports our younger learners in many important ways:
- Language Development: Rich vocabulary and repeated story patterns help build strong language skills.
- Imagination and Creativity: Magical worlds inspire children to dream, create, and tell their own stories.
- Understanding Emotions and Values: Characters often face challenges, helping children explore feelings and learn important life lessons.
Confidence in Reading: Familiar stories give children the confidence to retell and engage with texts independently.
At Holy Family, we aim to nurture a genuine love of literature. By immersing our Prep students in these beautiful tales, we are not only teaching them how to read—we are helping them discover the joy of reading.
We encourage families to continue this journey at home by sharing favourite fairytales together. Whether it’s a classic story or a funny fractured version, reading together is a wonderful way to connect, learn, and grow.
With gratitude Julianne Kelly
Literacy Leader, Learning & Teaching Leader
