Literacy News

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”- Emilie Buchwald

National Family Literacy Month

November is National Family Literacy Month in the US, a tradition that began to honour the work of Dr Seuss and encourage and promote a reading culture across the country. It’s an aim that is equally important here in Australia, so below are some ideas for getting involved in reading a a family:

1. Visit the Library

We are really lucky to have such a beautiful library here in Eltham that is stocked with a tremendous range of children’s books. Why not take the kids to Weekend Family Storytime?  You can always pick up some books to read together and individually while you’re there. And don’t forget to check out the art by local artists in the Community Gallery or try the Lego Club. 

2.  Donate Books

We all have books lying around that we’ve outgrown or that we’ll never read again. Consider choosing a few with your children and donating them to those in need. It’s a great way to reconnect and remember books you’ve shared and enjoyed while helping the environment and enriching someone else’s life.

3.  Vary your Reading Material

If you always read printed books, try and audio or digital book with your child to mix things up. PBS Kids has a wonderful free library of read-along books read by celebrities, while for older kids, LibriVox has a range of titles by authors such as Lewis Carroll and Mark Twain available as audio books. Storyseeds is a podcast of short stories written by children in collaboration with famous authors - your child can even submit their own podcast ideas. And Spotify also has a heap of free audiobooks to listen to. 

4. Write a note

To tie in with World Kindness Day on 13th November, write a note or letter to or with your children. You could write a note of thanks or appreciation to a friend, neighbour or another family member or even to acknowledge exceptional service you have received together in a shop or from someone such as the crossing attendant. You’ll be boosting your literacy skills while making someone’s day!

5. Talk

Oral language is an often-forgotten component of literacy. Make opportunities to talk as a family over a board game, after a movie night as you discuss your responses to the film, while you are deciding what to have for dinner or during a family Zoom call with a loved one (which also qualifies as an act of kindness!). Being involved in dialogue helps children to build their vocabulary, learn new things and understand how language works. Encouraging your child to ask questions is a great way to start the conversation.

The following is taken from the National Today website:

WHY NATIONAL FAMILY LITERACY MONTH IS IMPORTANT

1. Reading is good for the children
   When you read to your children during the early years, they are more likely to become good readers in adulthood. When the children see the adults in the house reading, it inspires them to read as well.
2. Reading reduces stress
   A study conducted by the University of Sussex found that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. Books can be the perfect tool to escape from everyday worries and stress. Nothing can be more relaxing than losing oneself in a book.
3. People who read are more empathetic
   Books open up a whole new world to us. Reading about people coming from different parts of the world and living in different circumstances can make you understand people better. You will begin to find it easier to relate with people who are different from you.

Enjoy sharing the literacy learning journey together!

Annie Facchinetti

Literacy Leader and Teaching & Learning Leader