Literacy News

The Skill, Will, and Thrill of Reading

Learning to read has long been recognised as one of the most important factors for academic success. Research shows strong links between literacy, school performance, self-esteem, and life opportunities. Poor literacy skills have been linked with reduced educational achievement, lower income, and poorer health and social outcomes.

But how do you become a skilled reader and achieve these positive outcomes?

Proficient readers don't just read, they interact with the text.

Have you ever been acutely aware of your thought processes as you read? Researchers have observed and studied good readers by asking them to think aloud as they read a text. From these studies, it has been determined that what seems to be an effortless activity is made up of highly complex, well-developed, and frequently practised skills and strategies.

What is so impressive about these readers is how they actively and consciously co-ordinate these skills throughout the reading process.

We read for various reasons, but the ultimate goal is to gain an understanding of what the author is conveying and make use of that information. Addressing the Skill, Will and Thrill of reading allows us to teach our young people how to make sense of texts, develop their mindsets about reading, and have them reflect on what texts inspire them to do.

Our Year 8 students and their teachers have been invited to participate in a Reading Response action research cycle, as part of the Outer Gippsland Area Literacy Strategy. These skills and strategies are being taught explicitly during their English lessons. Our young people are growing their reading, writing, and speaking skills through engaging with texts that encourage them to think beyond the surface, motivate them to investigate further, and consider ways of responding to their reading. In the words of Dr Seuss, “They are off to great places. Today, is their day! Their mountain is waiting! So…they are on their way!”

Jodie Doré

Learning Specialist – Whole School Literacy Improvement