Learning and Teaching News
Over 30 families attended our "Learning Together in Prep" night on Tuesday evening. The focus of the night was to discuss tips and tricks to help our prep students develop reading skills and learn to self-regulate their emotions. One of the key takeaways from the literacy information session was the importance of reading at home. This is an essential element in raising confident and fluent readers. To read more about the self regulation strategies refer to the wellbeing section of the newsletter.
As Dr. Seuss famously said, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." Reading is an essential skill that opens doors to a world of knowledge, imagination, and endless possibilities. While school plays a crucial role in fostering literacy, home reading is equally important in cultivating a lifelong love of reading in our children.
Why Read at Home?
- Builds Confidence: Reading familiar stories together builds fluency and a sense of accomplishment, fostering a "can-do" attitude towards reading.
- Boosts Fluency: Repeated exposure to text improves accuracy and speed. Reading aloud together allows you to model fluent reading, which your child can then imitate.
- Improves Comprehension: Discussing the story as you read helps your child grasp the plot, characters, and themes. This strengthens critical thinking skills.
- Expands Vocabulary: Reading exposes children to new words in a natural context. Talking about these words further enriches their vocabulary. Vocabulary development is a predictor of reading success when students are 15 years old.
- Sparks a Love of Learning: Reading together creates positive associations with books, making reading a source of joy and exploration.
Tips and Tricks for Reading Success:
- Make it Fun! Choose books that capture your child's interests. Let them pick out some stories too!
- Create a Cozy Reading Nook: Designate a comfortable space with soft lighting and pillows for snuggling with a good book.
- Read Aloud, Even When They Can Read: This models good reading habits and allows you to discuss more complex vocabulary and ideas.
- Take Turns Reading: As your child's skills develop, alternate between reading and having them read to you.
- Make it Interactive: Ask questions, have your child predict what happens next, or act out scenes from the story.
- Visit the Library: Make library trips a regular outing. Librarians can help you find books that are just right for your child.
- Lead by Example: Let your child see you reading for pleasure. This shows the value you place on reading.
Remember, reading is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process of sharing the joy of reading with your child and watch their love for books grow. Together, you can open doors to a world of knowledge, imagination, and endless possibilities.
Denise Kelly
Co-Deputy Principal | Learning & Teaching Leader
Elise Coghlan
Co-Deputy Principal | Literacy & Numeracy Leader | Visible Learning Leader