How to make reading as fun as watching TV

With TV on demand, social media and so many other distractions, who's got time to read a book these days? We ask an education expert how parents can make reading a fun past-time for children. We also discuss the role of teacher librarians and the school library in engaging students.

Margaret K. Merga is a senior lecturer in Education at Curtin University in Western Australia.

Holly Godfree is a teacher librarian at a public school in Canberra and also a member of the School Library Coalition

Follow the link and listen to this audio recording of the importance of maintaining a reading culture.

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/how-to-make-reading-a-fun-activity/10204202

Mrs. Wegener

Teacher-Librarian

Plastic Bags

 Thank you for the bag donations we have received. Our school community must be very environmentally aware! We still need more bags for students who forget their library bags. We need to look after our precious library books. They are a treasure.

Book Swap Day - Term 4

In Week 5 of Term 4 we will be having our final Book Swap Day of the year. The day for book swap will be Thursday, 15^th of November. Have a look through your books during the coming school holidays!

Premiers' Reading Challenge

Data entries have been finalised for the Premier’s Reading Challenge in 2018! Awards and medals will be received in November and be presented to our students at school. Parents will be advised of the presentation ceremony once the awards have arrived.

New Books Arriving Next Term

The Importance of Reading to Your Children

The following articles include some great hints for building up your child’s love of reading and literacy skills.

Australian-literacy advocate Love2Read recommends reading to children for 10 minutes every day.

“I’m the daughter of a time-and-motion expert who would never admit ‘there is no time’,” says author Jackie French. “There are a million ways to share a story with your child once you tell yourself this is something you must do.”

Read:

•           While you cuddle them to sleep.
•          When they need comforting.
•          While you’re having a coffee break.
•          On Skype from your hotel room on your next business trip.
•          Over the phone from your office.
•          The cereal box in the supermarket queue and entertain the shoppers.

“When you are really bushed, put your feet up, shut your eyes and let your child read you a story,” says Jackie. “It doesn’t matter if they can’t really read the words; if you have read to them often enough, they will make up a story just for you as they turn the pages.” - Anna Gibson

How to read to children

·         Take books everywhere and make the most of every minute – in cafes, on public transport, in the car, your office and on visits to the doctor or dentist.

·         Read everyday items aloud: labels, cereal boxes, road signs, maps, catalogues, brochures, and so forth.

·         Visit the library and ask the librarian to help you find appropriate books for your kids. Show kids how to find books on the topics that interest them.

·         Build a home library: charity shops, flea markets and garage sales are all great sources of low-cost books.

·         Give books or book vouchers as gifts.

Reading to Young Children

·         Set aside the same time every day to help establish a routine (bedtime, bath time, after school, on the potty or in the sandbox).

·         Choose hard-wearing books and let kids touch, chew and play.

·         Some kids don’t like to sit still: try letting them draw or play quietly beside you while you read, or get them to help you hold the book and turn the pages.

·         Read slowly with lots of expression. Put on silly voices: the more fun your child has, the more they will learn to love books and reading.

·         Point to pictures and words and tell them what they are. Follow the text with your finger as you read, discuss the story and ask what comes next (listen to their response): this helps build comprehension skills. Reading To Emergent Readers

·         Take turns reading paragraphs or even whole pages.

·         Help your child with words they are having trouble with: read it for them so they can keep going or ask them what word would make sense, depending on your child’s level.

·         Be encouraging.

·         Talk about the book as you read it – ask questions that allow your child to express opinions and listen attentively to their answers.

Reading to older readers

·         Read short sections of books or articles aloud to catch your child’s attention – encourage them to read the rest on their own.

·         Call their attention to the cover of a book or magazine – ask what they think it’s about it, encourage them to read it and then discuss it with them (read it yourself, too).

·         Put a funny article in their lunchbox.

·         Encourage your child to read to younger siblings, cousins or family friends.

·         Try not to judge: let your child’s interests guide their choice of books. If your child likes poo jokes, put a joke book in the bathroom. If they like electronics and car engines, give them a how-things-work book for their birthday.