Reading Update

Did you know that this is the year the explicit teaching of learning to read will be rolled out in classrooms all around Australia? If, like me, you thought this essential life skill is embedded automatically in classrooms, you may be surprised to find it is not quite that simple. Coming to teaching as a mature aged student when my own children were in junior high school, I have had a lot to learn about the science of learning to read. Fortunately, I have always loved to read and my passion for working with students who struggle in this space makes my new role as the Expert Reading Team Leader at Gympie Special School an opportunity for me to continue to grow and learn as I teach something I love.

Extensive research has revealed that learning to read is a secondary skill in human development so we can all breathe a sigh of relief that there is nothing “wrong” with us if reading does not come naturally. Over the previous 5 years I have specialised in supporting students in mainstream, special and supported classrooms to learn to make sense of the symbols and begin their reading adventure. I look forward to sharing the challenges and opportunities of the reading rollout across our very special school in the months to come.

Want to keep up with literacy development over the break? All of the following activities can be adapted for different levels of reading ability:

Memory match:  For early readers use the sounds that the letters s-a-t-p-i-n-r make. Sounds are important because the letter names can be confusing when sounding out words. Use the blank side of cereal boxes to cut up 10-12 same sized business card sized pieces. Choose simple words until your child has confidence reading each word without having to sound out and blend each sound individually. Remember to write the same word twice so pairs can be found. Try: at, as, is, in, it, nap, pan, sat, sit, nip etc. As students gain confidence, put similar words together to motivate them to keep sounding out instead of guessing. For example, sat and sit, pan and pin. We have also learnt “the”. If students find a match but can’t read the word, they don’t keep the cards. Turn it over and try again – a great lesson in patience and perseverance!

Use sidewalk chalk or a paintbrush with only water to “write” the words by sounding them out. It is so important the child does the sounding out themselves to develop their personal confidence as a reader.

Write a single word on 5-10 post it notes and “hide” them (in plain sight!) around a room. Say one word at a time for them to find and bring you the right word. The quicker they find them, the more words can be hidden.

Put together a batch of playdough. You can substitute gluten free flour and leave out colours if allergies are a concern. Not only will your child develop their fine motor skills – I had forgotten how tricky rolling out a long playdough sausage can be for fingers practised in pressing and scrolling with phones and iPads – playdough is also a great fidget tool. Rolling and shaping letters and words is soothing and engaging for many.

Don’t forget to find time for a trip to the Gympie Regional Library – so many books, so little time!

Jodie Sargeant

Expert Reading Team Leader