Literacy Update
St Fidelis' Catholic Primary School
Comprehension strategy - Visualising
In reading comprehension, visualising is a strategy that helps readers create a mental picture of what is happening in a text. As students read, they use the author’s words, along with their own prior knowledge and experiences, to imagine the characters, setting, events and details. This might include picturing what a place looks like, what a character might look like, or how something is happening in a scene.
Visualising supports comprehension because it helps students engage more deeply with the text. When readers turn words into images in their mind, they are more likely to understand and remember what they have read. It also helps students notice important details and make stronger connections to the story or information.
Good readers often adjust their mental images as they read. As more information is revealed in the text, their understanding of the picture may change or become clearer. This shows they are actively thinking about meaning, not just reading the words.
At home, you can support this by:
- asking your child to describe what they picture in their mind while reading
- encouraging them to pause and build a “mental movie” of the story
- asking, “What details help you see that in your mind?”
- inviting them to draw a scene from the text and explain their choices
What to do over the holidays
The holidays are a great time for students to keep their learning ticking along in a relaxed and enjoyable way. Reading regularly is one of the best ways to continue building skills, whether it’s a favourite series, comics, magazines or new books from the local library.
Writing can also be fun over the break, such as creating stories, writing notes or letters to family and friends, or keeping a simple holiday diary to record special moments.
There are lots of other easy ways to stay connected to learning at home, including:
- practising spelling words in fun ways
- continuing handwriting practice
- playing board games that involve reading, spelling or thinking skills
- summarising a book or story they have read in a few sentences
- visiting the local library for books and holiday activities
The Victoria Premiers’ Reading Challenge
Don’t forget the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is still running, and there is plenty of time for students to get involved. It’s a great way to keep up regular reading, discover new books and work towards a shared school goal. We’d love to see more students taking part and adding to our reading total.
If you are having trouble logging in or need support, please get in touch with me and I can help get you set up. Every book counts, so it’s not too late to jump on board and join in the challenge.
Important Literacy dates for Term 3
- Week 6 Scholastic Book Fair commences Tuesday afternoon
- Week 7 Book Week
Saturday 22nd August to Friday 28th August 2026
Theme - ‘Symphony of Stories’
Wishing you a restful break from the school routine. See you in Term 3.
Bernadette Parnis
Literacy Leader