Literacy

MS Readathon  

This year, Vermont Primary School will be participating in the MS Readathon, a fundraiser that has been supporting people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for 45 years. The MS Readathon combines the joy of reading with the mission of making a difference in the lives of those affected by MS. The event runs throughout the month of August.

If you would like your child to participate in the MS Readathon and represent Vermont Primary School, you can register by following these steps:

1. Visit the Readathon website: https://www.msreadathon.org.au/join/vermontprimaryschool
2. Select ‘Register’
3. Click ‘My children to read’
4. Fill in the contact details of a parent/guardian
5. Enter your child’s details and add Vermont Primary School
6. Follow the prompts until registration is complete

Please remember not to include your child’s surname. Only their first name, or first name and surname initial, and their grade are required (e.g., Jimmy S 2JH).

If you have any questions regarding this year’s MS Readathon, please feel free to contact:

John Hoskin (john.hoskin@education.vic.gov.au)

Helpful Home Reading Strategies to Try for the MS Readathon

The MS Readathon is a fantastic way to get your child excited about reading while supporting a great cause. To help make the experience even more enjoyable for your child, here are some simple and fun ideas to try at home:

Create a cosy reading corner Set up a special spot in your home just for reading. Add a cushion, blanket or favourite soft toy to make it extra inviting.

Start a reading calendar Use a calendar or checklist to track each day your child reads. Add stickers or stars for every book or chapter completed to celebrate their progress.

Let them choose Offer a range of reading materials: chapter books, comics, picture books, magazines or even audiobooks. When children choose what they read, they’re more likely to stay engaged.

Make it social Encourage your child to talk about what they’re reading. You could ask, “What’s been your favourite part so far?” or even help them write a mini review to share with family or classmates.

Celebrate milestones Mark achievements with small celebrations. 

The most important part is to keep it fun and positive! 

Writing Challenges

If your child is keen to write at home but is not sure what to write about, below is a prompt that they could use: 

If I could have any job in the world it would be…

Comprehension Questions 

This fortnight’s questions are:

• If you were one of the characters in the book, would you have acted differently? Tell me when, why and how. 
• Does the setting of this story remind you of the setting in other stories? Describe