Literacy
St Roch's Parish Primary School 
Mrs. Gray’s Christmas Gift Suggestions to Promote Literacy
As Christmas lists are being written and the shopping begins, I thought I would offer a few festive gift ideas to help keep your children reading, talking, writing and thinking over the holidays.
Here are 10 Christmas gift suggestions that are a fun way to promote literacy and family connection at home throughout the holidays. I’ve included a brief note about how each item supports early reading, writing or language skills. Enjoy building literacy into your celebrations this year!
1. Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping — Craig Silvey & Sara Acton (Ages 8–12)
Runt remains one of my favourite children’s books — such a heart-warming story full of rich vocabulary, humour and adventure. I can't wait to read this sequel which has recently been released.
2. Basics to Brilliance Kids — Donna Hay (Ages 6+)
Because I love cooking (and especially baking!), I can’t resist including this one. Cooking together builds reading comprehension, sequencing and real-world vocabulary, and you end up with something delicious at the end!
3. A Blank Journal and Fun Writing Materials (Ages 5–12)
A beautiful notebook paired with coloured pens, fineliners or a lettering stencil book can spark holiday writing — diaries, lists, letters, creative pieces — you name it.
4. Magnetic Letters + Mini Whiteboard (Ages 4–8)
Perfect for building words, practising spelling patterns and exploring phonics in a hands-on, playful way.
5. ThinkFun Zingo! (Ages 4–8)
A fast-paced matching game that strengthens vocabulary, visual recognition and early reading patterns. Great fun for siblings.
6. Tapple (Ages 7+)
A lively word game that encourages quick thinking, flexible language skills and fast word retrieval — great for family play.
7. Emily Brown Books — Cressida Cowell (Ages 5–9)
A charming series that blends imagination, humour and beautiful storytelling. Wonderful for shared reading and building expressive vocabulary.
8. Hedbanz Game (Ages 6+)
Players ask yes/no questions to guess the picture on their headband — an excellent way to build oral language, questioning skills and descriptive vocabulary.
9. Children’s Crossword Puzzle Book (Ages 7–12)
Crosswords are brilliant for strengthening vocabulary, spelling and general knowledge — a great quiet-time activity.
10. Talking Point: Family Conversation Cards (Ages 5+)
Simple conversation starters that spark meaningful discussions. A lovely way to build oral language, expressive vocabulary and confidence in speaking.
Good luck with your Christmas shopping and wishing you all a joyful Christmas and happy holidays with plenty of time to read, chat and play together.
Rachel Gray
Literacy Leader