Reading at FNPS
Reading is of great importance at FNPS. Everyday students participate in reading workshops that include explicit teaching, small focused groups (guided reading), independent reading and spending one on one time with their teacher setting their reading goals. As part of building reading enjoyment every classroom has student chosen books within their classroom library.
The beginning of the year sees students start to develop their reading stamina with the introduction of independent reading and book boxes school wide.
Independent reading is children's reading of text — such as books, magazines, and newspapers — on their own, with minimal to no assistance from adults. Independent reading is part of the process of having readers start to think about their reading. There are strong associations between independent reading and reading achievement, and many researchers believe that independent reading plays a key role in the development of reading fluency (speed and ease of reading), vocabulary, background knowledge, understanding, and even spelling.
Not surprisingly, motivation also is associated with independent reading; children who are interested in and motivated to read tend to do more independent reading. To foster independent reading stamina within the classroom, teachers slowly build the number of minutes read each week. As part of this process a goal is set for each year level of how many minutes they can read independently by the end of the year and this is worked towards throughout the year. Book boxes are an important part of reading within the classroom. It provides students’ the opportunity, to have a number of ‘just right books’ (books that are not too hard or too easy – goldilocks thinking) available just for them. They have chosen these books based on enjoyment, interest in different book series, books by a favourite authors, non fictions books, newspapers, and so on or at times can be teacher directed.
Reading opens doors to adventures, opportunities and brighter futures
Reading opens doors to adventures, opportunities and brighter futures Reading is the gateway to learning, opening doors to faraway adventures, new possibilities and promising futures. Without strong reading skills, children will face a host of difficult challenges throughout their lives. That’s why we know that reading matters.
As we progress through the school year it is important to strive to reach a goal for reading of between 250 to 300 nights across the school year. Starting from the very first week and day books are sent home with each student.
You make a difference to your children’s reading journey. Your role as an advocate for your children’s reading success cannot be overestimated. It has a direct impact on the ease and confidence with which they pursue their reading and writing.
It is the joy and love of sharing a good book on a nightly basis that sets the foundation for their reading success, and ensures that reading is given the priority it deserves. Reading regularly with someone who cares is the inspiration that all readers deserve.
Proven benefits of reading with your child
Parents and carers who read aloud with children in a secure, safe and comfortable context motivate their children to read.
Parents’ perceptions, values, attitudes, and expectations play an important role in influencing their children’s attitudes toward reading, and subsequent literacy development. When children share a book with someone who makes them feel special, the attitude that reading is pleasurable is transferred to other reading encounters.
Taking some time out of the families very busy schedules to read have lifelong benefits:
Builds relationships
Children’s reading constantly improves
Read want to read more
Children’s self-esteem improves
Reading unites families through shared stories
