Literacy and Numeracy News

LITERACY NEWS

READING ROUTINES

The opportunity of new starts is something we all use as a way to reset ourselves and to form new habits. Settling back into term is a great opportunity to re-establish routines in the household. One practice that is particularly important is to ensure that students are reading every night. 

We know that the importance of reading cannot be overstated. Reading everyday helps students to learn about themselves, others and the world around them as they develop new vocabulary and are exposed to new ideas. It strengthens their fluency, accuracy and comprehension as they practise their thinking skills. Reading also supports their ability to focus for extended periods of time and can reduce stress and help sleep. 

The importance of consistency in reading can be best seen when thinking about the learning gains that happen across a year. For instance, if a child only reads 5 minutes once a week, by the end of the school year they will only have read for 205 minutes. If a student reads for 15 minutes every school night, they have read for 3,075 minutes in a year. But if they’ve read for 15 minutes every night, they’ve read for 5,475 minutes! 

There are some simple habits that help create a nurturing and inviting literacy environment in the home. The first step is consistency, to help build the understanding that in this house we read every day. Encouraging students to read independently at times, so they see it is an activity they can choose. Adults reading in the house, also models habits and behaviours we want students to see, and they will be more likely to mirror them. Finally making sure books are available, that are the right level and the right interest, encourages reading. Nobody likes to read a book they are not interested in!