Curriculum News
Kindergarten Research
St Anthony's is excited to invite all families of Kindergarten 2025 / Year 1 2026 students to take part in a valuable research project led by Dr. Valeria M. Rigobon from the Australian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy at Australian Catholic University (ACU), one of our trusted partners in teacher professional learning.
The study, “Tracking Students’ Word Spelling Development,” explores how young children learn to spell and apply spelling rules—an essential foundation for strong writing skills. By participating, you’ll be helping improve how spelling is taught in early education, benefiting not just your child but future learners too.
Research in Education
Research in primary education plays a vital role in shaping how children learn to read and write. These foundational skills are not only essential for academic success but also for lifelong learning, communication and personal growth. By investigating effective methods and strategies, educators can ensure that every child has the best possible start.
Why Research Matters
- Evidence-based teaching: Research helps teachers move beyond tradition or intuition, grounding their practice in proven methods that improve literacy outcomes
- Early intervention: Studies highlight the importance of identifying reading and writing difficulties early, allowing schools to provide targeted support before gaps widen
- Inclusive education: Research into diverse learning needs ensures that children with different abilities, backgrounds and languages are supported equitably
Impact on Reading
- research has shown that phonics instruction, when combined with comprehension strategies, significantly boosts reading fluency
- studies into reading motivation reveal that access to engaging texts and supportive environments fosters a love of reading
- investigations into digital literacy highlight how technology can enhance reading skills when used thoughtfully
Impact on Writing
- research emphasises the importance of teaching writing as a process - planning, drafting, revising - rather than a single product
- studies show that integrating reading and writing instruction strengthens both skills, as children learn to analyse texts and express ideas more clearly
- research into handwriting and keyboarding demonstrates how fine motor skills and digital tools both influence writing development
The value of research in primary education lies in its ability to guide teachers toward practices that truly work. By continually studying how children learn to read and write, educators can refine their approaches, close achievement gaps and inspire a generation of confident, capable learners.
Working together for our students,
Leanna Langlands
Instructional Specialist