Raising Readers

Reading at Home | “Reading in Lockdown”

Our literacy focus this year is reading. While many of us read on different platforms and enjoy the different formats that reading is presented to us in, it’s important that we share our reading journeys with our learners at home too.

This fortnight’s focus is Reading in Lockdown.

Reading can be difficult at the best of times, but recent data from the annual Literacy Survey has shown that this has been the opposite experience for most children, as the survey highlighted that children are reading more during lockdown, compared to any other time. This is due to reading decreases feelings of stress and provides our readers a means of escape, whilst increasing their resilience. This is also furthered by the Survey’s findings that our readers are reading longer and more challenging books these periods.

If you’re finding that your learner isn’t reading, have a conversation with them about why this might be the case, as reading during these episodes will dramatically reduce their feelings of stress. This conversation might also provide an opportunity that you might not have otherwise had.

Some reluctant readers might also not be reading because they haven’t found a book in the genre that they enjoy. Providing some gentle suggestions, whilst maintaining your learner’s reading autonomy is critical in allowing them to turn to books as a source of calm, predictability, and relaxation.

If you’re unsure of where to start, or what to suggest, head to the LSC Compass page, where our amazing Library staff put together a selection of the best-of-the-best e-books that are available on the Wheelers website.

Keep Reading,

Ecehan B. Gulbayrak

ecehan.Gulbayrak@education.vic.gov.au

PS: I am currently reading - “Nine Days,” by Toni Jordan. The book is set in the laneways of Richmond in 1939. There are nine chapters, each dedicated to a different character and

their day. It’s a very personal recount of each character’s thoughts and aspirations. An enjoyable, easy read.