Annual Implementation Plan

We have previously shared with you the image below, outlining our key areas of focus for 2025.

Each term we'll be sharing an update with you through our newsletter about how our learning is translating into the classroom. 

Our Learning action is: 

Build teacher capability to purposefully plan and apply explicit teaching in the 'we do' phase of reading instruction.

That's a lot of teacher talk, so what do we actually mean?

Teachers are building their understanding of the effective teaching of reading based on research based evidence - 'what' we teach based on the new English Curriculum 2.0 and 'how' we teach it, as informed by the science of reading and what we know about how students learn and in particular how students learn to read, which is not the same for every student.

In Term 4 last year we shared a series of newsletter items detailing the foundational research we are using to inform our instructional practice.

Thanks to Shanti Treloar, as curriculum leader, for putting together this instalment, linked to our learning focus:

Brighton Beach Primary School Embraces the Joy of Reading

We're thrilled to announce that our curriculum focus for this year is on fostering a love for reading among our students. Reading is not only a fundamental skill but also a gateway to endless adventures, knowledge, and personal growth.

The Power of Daily Reading

• Exposure to More Words: A child who reads for 20 minutes per day is exposed to 1.8 million words per year, compared to just 8,000 words per year for a child who reads for only one minute per day.
• Boosts Academic Success: Research shows that students who read for pleasure perform better in maths, vocabulary, and spelling tests than those who don’t.
• Improves Focus and Concentration: Regular reading helps children develop longer attention spans, which is crucial for learning across all subjects.
• Encourages Empathy and Social Skills: Stories allow children to experience different perspectives and emotions, helping them develop stronger empathy and understanding of others.
• Enhances Brain Development: MRI studies reveal that reading stimulates brain growth and strengthens neural connections, particularly in young children.

Reading: A Family Affair

Reading isn't just beneficial for students; it's a wonderful opportunity for family bonding. Sharing a book with your child creates cherished moments, establishes comforting bedtime routines, and sparks meaningful discussions about diverse topics. Moreover, children who observe their parents reading are more likely to develop a passion for reading themselves. Parental involvement in reading has been linked to improved language skills and a greater motivation to read. 

Tips for Supporting Young Readers at Home

For Parents of Prep to Year 2 Students:

• Spend at least 10 minutes reading aloud every day.
• Read at least three stories daily—even if it's the same one repeatedly!
• Reading from memory is good repetition.
• Avoid the struggle and read it if it helps, or just say the word.
• Read with energy and animation—make it fun, loud, and full of laughter.
• Choose books your child loves and read them the same way each time.
• Talk, sing, and play with words—point out pictures, rhyme, and clap along.
• Pick books with rhyme, rhythm, and repetition, and keep them short.
• Turn reading into a game—let kids finish rhymes and find letters they recognise.
• Never make reading feel like a lesson—keep it fun and stress-free.
• Read aloud because you love it, not just because it's important.

For Parents of Year 3 to Year 6 Students:

• Read together or alongside your child – Take turns reading aloud or read the same novel so you can discuss it together.
• Aim for at least 20 minutes of reading per day – Make it part of the daily routine, just like brushing teeth!
• Explore different genres – Encourage your child to try adventure, mystery, sci-fi, biographies, or even graphic novels.
• Be a reading role model – Let your child see you reading regularly, whether it’s a book, magazine, or newspaper.
• Share your favourites – Talk about books you loved at their age or what you're currently reading.
• Discuss interesting words – Point out and chat about new or unusual words you both come across.
• Use rich vocabulary in daily conversations – Incorporate new and exciting words naturally at home.
• Make reading social – Join a book club, start a family reading challenge, or listen to audiobooks together.
• Connect books to real life – Visit places related to stories, watch adaptations, or research interesting facts inspired by books.

By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can nurture a lifelong love of reading in your child. 

Stay tuned for details on the Premier's Reading Challenge next term - we are encouraging all students to participate and will be completing our own class-based challenge to motivate our readers. 

We look forward to building your passion for reading at BBPS. Let's do this together!

It is a good distraction to take us ALL away from screens.