Loving Literacy Learning

Storytime with Mrs Lawlor

On Wednesday 25th May, Magill School again took part in the National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) initiative. This is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). 

Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 22nd successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes and addresses key learning areas of the Australian Curriculum.

This year, Mrs Lawlor had the great pleasure of reading the book 'Family Tree' written by Josh Pyke and illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh to our Reception students. The story is a heartfelt celebration of family, community, and seasons of life to cherish and share.

Our Reception classes loved the story and having Mrs Lawlor read it to them. Here's what some of the children thought about the experience and some little insights into who they may like to hear read to them next!

'The family tree story was really good.'

'The reception classes had a great time hearing the FAMILY TREE story.'

'I really liked the parts about the arrow and the heart.'

'I liked it when the FAMILY TREE people went up into the sky.'

'Mrs Lawlor read the story in a calm, friendly and entertaining voice.'

'We would LOVE to hear Mr Iannunzio read us a story like Billy Goat's Gruff.'

'I liked the ending page because it had special seeds and a family in the middle.'

'The first page was my favourite because it looked beautiful.'

'The tree links every family together.'

'The book makes me think HOW lucky I am to have my family and how special they are to me.'

'FAMILY TREE is a book for everyone to read no matter what skin colour, hair colour, or what country you are from because ALL FAMILIES ARE SPECIAL and UNIQUE.'

'We would love Mr Iannunzio to read us the story The Gingerbread Man.'

'Everyone can read this book because we all have families and family trees.'

'We liked how Mrs Lawlor read the book in a funny but caring way.'

'It was so great to have the Deputy Principal read to all the Receptions.'

'We would like to hear Mr Iannunzio read Pig the Pug or Frogs and Reptiles to us.'

Our next celebration of reading and Literacy is Book Week which comes up in Week 5, Term 3. The theme this year is 'Dreaming with Eyes Open'. More information will come out to families early next term! 

Many thanks,

The Literacy Committee