Literacy Update

Book Week 2021

This week, Hillsmeade Primary School proudly celebrates the 2021 Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book Week!

We are proud of our student reader’s at Hillsmeade! Despite learning remotely, we have been overwhelmed by our students’ engagement in daily Book Week activities - Congratulations on your wonderful work! 

Reading is a daily skill that is taught and practised at Primary School. At Hillsmeade, our students are passionate about reading for joy. Here are five reasons why reading for ‘fun’ is important:

Immerse Children In The Joy Of Reading For Pleasure

Reading independently or with another enables children to become lost in the story of a novel or fascinated by the facts of a non-fiction piece. Books give children a vision for where reading can take them and the enjoyment that comes from reading a ‘good fit’ book.

Give Children Access To Endless Worlds

Books paint a vision in the reader’s mind. As teachers, we call this visualisation. For children, this is the little television of imagination. It can take us to real or pretend places. The possibilities are endless.

Expose Children To New Vocabulary

Wide vocabularies support success in both reading, writing and all areas of learning. Developing quality language skills supports the speaking and listening skills of children.

Provide A Shared Experience

Books act as a shared experience. When we read with children, we are not just teaching them the skills of a good reader. We are also providing them with an opportunity to engage socially with others.

Help Improve Student Writing

Reading aloud to students immerses them in the language and rhythm of good writing. It allows them to develop their reader’s ear to listen to the flow and syntax of well-structured sentences and paragraphs.