Learning & 

Teaching

Choosing the right Home Reader. 

At St Joseph's our Literacy program is based on the most current research into how students learn best. Home reading is an essential part of learning to read and for developing a love of literature. When beginning this journey students first start by listening to others read and talking about our stories. When they start to build up their sound knowledge and recognition of common words students then begin to explore 'Decodable Readers' 

What are Decodable Readers?

Decode means to crack and that’s exactly what children must learn to do to become successful readers – crack the code. Systematic phonics has been proven time and time again as the most effective way to teach reading. If children can’t decode the words on a page they will fail in their journey to access text.

When ready, children must be taught knowledge of letters and sounds and the skills of sounding and blending. However, this is not enough to know how to read as the knowledge and skills must be practised over and over to achieve mastery. Without decodable readers, this practise cannot take place.

Essentially, learning to read is like teaching a child to swim. Children are taught what kicking, paddling and breathing are, and how to combine these skills. However, without consistent, regular practise they will not become a proficient swimmer. Decodable readers are the conduit between phonics and reading. Without them, the child may need ‘floaties’ forever.

Moving beyond Decodable Readers

 While all students learn at their own pace, by the time they are in Year 2, most of them have learned that words are made up of sounds represented by letters. They are ready to move beyond decodable readers and should be able to work out most words they encounter for reading and spelling without guessing. 

At this time the focus of take-home readers moves to comprehension, fluency and exploring new vocabulary. As students continue to develop these skills at school, their home readers become more complex helping them to engage in stories that support them to embed comprehension skills, build new vocabulary and make connections to their world.

If you would like to discuss your child's home reading please contact your classroom teacher.

Don't forget to Check out our Home Learning Portal!

Please click on the link below to visit your child’s Home Leaning Page to stay up to date with their learning.