Literacy Update
Reading is ultimately about making meaning. The end goal of reading is comprehension, the ability to understand, think about, and talk about what a text is saying. This includes stories, information texts, and the many everyday texts children read and use.
In literacy learning, we focus on key areas that all work together to support strong readers:
- phonemic awareness (hearing and working with sounds in spoken words)
- phonics (learning the relationship between letters and sounds)
- fluency (reading smoothly, accurately, and with expression)
- vocabulary (knowing and understanding words)
- comprehension (making meaning from what is read)
- oral language (talking, listening, and understanding, which underpins everything)
In the junior years, we begin with explicit phonics instruction as a key foundation for early reading. However, this is never taught in isolation. Students are also exposed to a rich range of texts, including both decodable readers and authentic literature, so they can apply their skills in meaningful contexts.
To support comprehension, we focus on teaching a range of strategies across all year levels, such as:
- predicting what might happen
- making connections to what they already know
- asking and answering questions about the text
- visualising what is happening while reading
- summarising key ideas in their own words
At our school, we use InitiaLit in Foundation and Year 1 as a structured, evidence-based literacy program. We have seen a strong impact from this approach in supporting early reading development. As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, we also implement MiniLit intervention to support students who require additional assistance and to help close learning gaps.
Children learn at different rates and in different ways. Some students may need extra support along the way, and this is a normal part of learning rather than a reflection of the program itself. Our teaching is designed to meet students where they are and support every child to grow in confidence, skill, and understanding over time.
Over the coming weeks, we will also be unpacking what comprehension looks like in the classroom and the different ways we explicitly support students to build deeper understanding when reading.
Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge
As you are aware, we are also taking part in the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge. This is a great way to encourage reading at home and build a love of books. Students will bring home their login details, so please keep an eye out in your child’s school bag. Once set up, families can log reading and celebrate progress throughout the challenge.
Scholastic Reading Month – 30-year celebration
Don’t forget the Scholastic’s Reading Month Challenge. This is a great opportunity for students to enjoy reading at home and build positive reading habits throughout the month. It’s a simple way to encourage reading for enjoyment and support children in developing a love of books.
Registration (optional) - NFRM Home | Scholastic Australia
National Simultaneous Storytime
We will also be taking part in National Simultaneous Storytime, where the whole school will read the same book together. This year’s book is Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller. More information will be shared next week.
Take care and have a great week.
Bernadette Parnis | Literacy Leader