Principal Reflections
A Short Message from Dr Jake
Dear Parents & Friends,
Creating a Reading Culture at Home
Parents often ask teachers and teacher librarians for tips on how to encourage their children to read more at home. The conditions that foster lifelong reading habits in children are remarkably robust and apply to both home and school reading. On the back of our 1000 Books Before School Initiative, here are some suggestions for parents who want to create a reading culture at home.
Dedicate time for reading. If we make time for what we value, we must set aside reading time each day. Set aside at least twenty minutes each day for family reading time. Each family member may read something of their choice or the family can gather for a shared read aloud.
Carry books. Add a book (not the phone!) for every family member to your leaving the house checklist. Running errands, doctor and dental appointments, haircuts, shopping-all provide stolen opportunities to read when children (and adults) are waiting and bored.
Read aloud. For most children, sharing books with family members is their first experience with books. Reading aloud to your children, even into the teenage years, reinforces a pleasurable bond between books and family. Sharing books as a family creates memorable experiences and provides topics for discussions, too.
Provide access to books. Children should experience a "book flood," with abundant access to a wide-range of reading material. Take children to the library, buy books as presents, and subscribe to children's magazines.
Role model a reading life. Children mimic the behaviours we model for them. If they see adults reading daily and enjoying it, children are more likely to perceive reading as meaningful. Adults, who read and share their love of reading with children, send a powerful message that reading matters.
Allow children to choose books. Children should choose most of the books they read. Forcing children to read books that don't interest them turns many kids off reading altogether. While you may bemoan the less than highbrow selections your child chooses to read, support his/her independence and self-direction as a reader by celebrating free choice.
Encouraging children to read at home can seem like a daunting task for parents, but by following these simple tips, you can create a reading culture in your household that will foster lifelong reading habits. Reading aloud to your children and providing them with access to books are just some of the ways you can help encourage your kids to read more.
So get started today and watch your children's love of reading grow!
National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA)
The NEiTA Foundation is encouraging parents, students and schools to nominate extraordinary educators who have displayed remarkable dedication, passion and creativity for a National Excellence in Teaching Award.
This year, NEiTA wants to recognise the role early childhood, primary and secondary teachers and principals played in student’s lives as Australia emerged from the COVID-19 health crisis. Is there a St Edward's teacher that you feel is worthy of a nomination? Nominations can be made until 17 July 2022 at www.neita.com
Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us as we are only too happy to help.
Peace & Best Wishes
Dr Jake Madden
(Principal, St Edward's Primary School)