At Derrimut PS, we have a strong focus on building the foundations of learning through a structured literacy program, that concentrates on building a love of reading and writing through authentic experiences. Students read a range of familiar and rich literature texts, which allow them to practice reading and writing independently. Each student is provided with a reading toolkit, where they are able to choose a range of Just Right books and interest books and are supported through rich language experiences. Teachers provide students with a range of strategies on supporting their learning. These include, small group workshops, individual and group conferences and whole group explicit teaching,
These groups provide focused teaching for individuals at their point of need. While teachers are working with these groups, children are independently reading and writing to work towards their individual learning goals. Assessments are conducted at the beginning of Term 1 and continue regularly throughout each term and for the rest of the year.
Reading
Reading is more than recognising or sounding out words. It is seeing print and attaching meaning. It is sharing ideas and information through print. Children are surrounded by print from the day they are born. Reading begins at home amidst all the print and talk that surrounds a child in the years before they come to school – and not all print is in books. The breakfast table usually has plenty of print on it - the cereal packet, the margarine container, the bread wrapper. So do signs in the neighbourhood, service stations and shops. Whenever your child comments on print, be sure to respond enthusiastically.
How can you help your child to read?
Remember that encouragement is the key to success!
Other things you can do to help your children to read: