Literacy

Literacy Learning Term 4

As we begin our final term, our students will continue to nurture their love of reading by engaging with books every day at school. We encourage you to do the same at home. Daily reading of decodable books and practising paired fluency will help build your child’s confidence and enjoyment as a reader.

As the books your child brings home become longer, they may not finish a whole book in one night and that’s perfectly okay! They might read a chapter or a few pages instead. The amount they read will vary depending on the book and your child’s reading ability. If you’re ever unsure, please don’t hesitate to check in with your child’s teacher.

Talking with your child about what they’re reading is also a wonderful way to support their learning. Ask about the characters, the events in the story, or any new facts they’ve discovered. Encourage them to share their opinions what they liked or didn’t like, and what made the book interesting to them.

Our Literacy program continues to follow an evidence-based approach. During our Literacy Block, students will strengthen key reading and writing skills including fluency, phonological awareness, heart words (irregular spelling patterns), handwriting, and the Sounds Write Phonics Program.

IIn Writing, students will explore a variety of genres, including persuasive texts, developing their opinions and learning how to express their ideas clearly. Through persuasive writing, Grade 1 students begin to understand how to share their thoughts and convince others using simple reasons and examples. They might write about their favourite foods, animals, or activities, learning to use words that persuade, such as because, I think, and should. This helps them build confidence in expressing their viewpoints and strengthens their ability to communicate effectively. Practising high-frequency (heart) words at home will further support your child’s writing development and help them become more fluent and independent writers.

Handwriting will continue to remain an important focus. Students will practise correct pencil grip, letter formation, and writing neatly on the line both on whiteboards and in their handwriting books.