May is Family Reading Month

If we want children to read independently, they need to have easy access to a wide assortment of fiction and non fiction books, choice in what they read, and time to practise reading. Given a good selection of books, all kids read more. And those who read more books get more practice and become better readers.

Research shows that children who read books for just 10 minutes a day perform better in school.

Here are some great ways to get your child reading:

Set aside a reading time. Pick a reading time that is suitable for everyone. It might be before bedtime.
Pick a reading place. It is important that everyone is comfortable so they can enjoy the book. Try reading in the living room, or maybe seated at the dinner table works best.
Read together. One person can read the book, or family members can take turns.
Visit your local library. Enjoy free resources such as books and read-aloud events.
Involve and engage everyone. Before reading, point to the book’s title, author and illustrator. Ask listeners, ‘What do you think the story is going to be about?’ As you read, ask your family members what they think will happen next. And be sure to use exciting voices to engage listeners!
Fill your home with reading materials. Place books, magazines, newspapers, cookbooks and more throughout the house so your child is surrounded by things to read.
Get caught reading yourself. When your child sees you read, they will be inspired to read.
Have older siblings read to younger siblings. By reading to a younger sibling, the reader will gain confidence.
Start seasonal traditions. Pick a book to read every year when your child goes back to school. You can also read the same special book during a holiday.
Keep favourite books around. It can be comforting for a new reader to build confidence and fluency by practising when re-reading a favourite book.

Join the Read More in May Challenge, there are great prizes to be won. All students will bring home the form on Thursday. Happy Reading!!

Is Home Reading sometimes a chore? Do you need some ideas on:

what to do when reading with your child
how to make home reading more fun and exciting

Check out the PDF below for tips that may help.

Star Writers

Congratulations to Riley Perrins and Stella Lim who entered the Write 4 Fun poetry competition and had their poems published in the 'Write 4 Fun Write Here and Now' book for 2018. We are very proud of their efforts. Enjoy their winning entries.

THE FLYING PIG BY Stella Lim

Dedicated to the people who need a smile on their face

I threw a flying pig into the air,

The only thing that came back was its hair.

Then there was a flare that shone with might

Because it was so bright.

And when it came back,

I got a sack,

Gave it a whack,

And suddenly everything went despacito,

So I decided to eat Doritos.

THE SILLY FRIGHT by Riley Perrins

Dedicated to the kids who want to learn what a poem is and how to write one.

In my hair made of hay,

The cold breeze goes around all day.

When I cheer on for the day,

I hear people saying hooray!

When I look left and right,

I see a silly fight,

But sometimes I get a silly fright,

Which stops at about night.

When I fell asleep, I saw a light,

I got a bit of a fright,

But I was quite alright,

So I woke up and saw a nice bright light.

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