Literacy 

Getting Lost in a Book

Getting lost in a book is a truly magical feeling for kids (and adults when they can find the time). One of the challenges, though, is finding books that children will genuinely enjoy and connect with.

KOALA — Kids’ Own Australian Literature Awards

One helpful resource for sourcing good books is KOALA, which stands for Kids’ Own Australian Literature Awards. KOALA celebrates Australian authors and empowers students to nominate and vote for their favourite books. This year’s KOALA award winners are going to be announced soon. The short-listed books are out at the moment and contain some excellent recommendations that your child may enjoy getting stuck into. 

Writing Ideas - Journaling 

While journaling is often discussed as a great activity for its mental health benefits, it also has many valuable literacy benefits too. Keeping a journal helps children improve their writing skills, build vocabulary and grow their confidence as writers.

Journaling encourages students to organise their thinking, reflect on their day, and express themselves clearly- all of which are essential skills for reading and writing success. Over time, regular journaling can even inspire a love of storytelling and improve their ability to write longer, more thoughtful pieces.

Here are a few simple ways to encourage your child to get started:

Make it personal: Let them choose or decorate their own journal so it feels special. They can add drawings or photos or other things that are important to them. A journal doesn’t have to be just words- it can be a creative space for all kinds of expression.

Give them choice: Encourage them to write about topics that matter to them. This could be a dream they had, something that made them laugh, a question they’re curious about, or a memory they don’t want to forget. The freedom to choose makes writing feel more enjoyable and meaningful.

Respect their privacy: A journal is a private space. When children know their words won’t be read or corrected, they’re more likely to write honestly and openly. 

Journaling is a powerful habit that supports both emotional well-being and literacy growth.