Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning 

Ms Ashley Kuusela

As the holiday season approaches and plans for getaway adventures, home projects and social gatherings are made, it is sometimes the simple things that we most look forward to. For me, one of the best things about the January holiday is making my way through a pile of books recommended to me by friends, colleagues, or some online list titled, ‘Best summer reads for 2022.’ This is a long standing tradition of mine- lying on a banana lounge devouring a thriller, a romance and often an autobiography (just to name a few). 

 

My memories of holiday reading go right back to when I was a kid. While the types of books I now read may have changed, the feelings of relaxation, entertainment/ interest and sometimes hilarity remain to this day. 

Those memories of listening to my mum read to me, or later when I was able reading on my own, are completely nostalgic! I don't doubt that many of you share similar memories. 

So, before we enter the school holidays, I ask you to consider what moments of opportunity  you, your child, and your entire family will find to read stories- some that will stick in your memories for years and years to come.

Think…  

  • famous classics like Enid Blighton’s ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’, 
  • anything by Roald Dahl
  • the Harry Potter series
  • short stories by Paul Jennings
  • Andy Griffiths
  • Emily Rodda and her various genres to interest all types of readers
  • picture story books (you are never too old for these)!

The. List. Goes .On.

 

If you are looking for a good place to find a list to select your choice, I recommend Dymocks which make it easy to work through the different categories: https://www.dymocks.com.au/promotions/kids-top-51   below are just a few of their recommendations:

 

 

 

It probably goes without saying, but Reading is more than an enjoyable hobby. It  is a key factor in developing and expanding children’s vocabulary. Children who are avid readers, often excel in other learning areas. So, if there is one easy way you are looking to support your child’s learning over the holiday AND provide them entertainment, then please encourage them to read. Reading yourself is also a way of modelling the behaviours and habits we wish to see in others. 

 

Best of luck in finding a good book… or books for the summer of 2023!

 

 

Wishing you all a warm, safe and happy holiday.

Ms Ashley Kuusela