Deputy News
Why Great Books Matter: Literature at the Heart of Our English Program
At St Joseph's Elsternwick, we believe the books our students read at school are far more than just part of their English lessons. For many children, they are among the most powerful and lasting experiences of their primary years.
Renowned literacy researcher and educator Doug Lemov, author of Reading Reconsidered, makes a compelling case for the deliberate teaching of rich, challenging literature in schools. His research points to a sobering reality: for some students, the novels they encounter in the classroom may be the only substantial books they ever read. While some children grow up surrounded by shelves of books and adults who model a love of reading, others rely almost entirely on school to provide that exposure. This makes the choice of what we teach, and how we teach it, one of the most important decisions we make as educators. A rich, well-taught literature program doesn't just build reading skills; for many students, it is their gateway to the world of stories, ideas and language itself.
Rich Literature and Mentor Texts in Years 3–6
In line with this thinking, our Year 3–6 Reading Program is built around rich literature and carefully selected mentor texts. Rather than treating novels as something to simply get through, we use them as living examples of great writing — texts our students return to again and again to notice how skilled authors build character, craft tension, and communicate meaning.
Our approach is grounded in the five key pillars of reading — phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Within this framework, students are introduced to each novel as a whole, then guided to look more closely: analysing storyline and structure, considering the author's choices, and uncovering the deeper messages and themes each text offers. This balance of enjoyment and analysis helps students become not just capable readers, but thoughtful, discerning ones.
Our 2026 Novel Studies Year 3-6
This year, our classes have journeyed through a wonderful range of stories, each chosen to challenge and inspire:
- Year 3 — James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
- Year 4 — Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
- Year 5 — Rivet Boy by Rachel Bin Salleh
- Year 6 — A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
Alannah Harrison & Luke Daffy
Deputy Principals