“Children who are surrounded by, and included in, rich and increasingly complex conversations, have an overwhelming advantage in vocabulary development, in understanding the structures of language, and in tuning into the sounds of the English Language. Oral language is important for both reading and writing.”  (Research into Practice 2010)

Dear Parents and Carers,                            

Thank you to all the Kindergarten and year one and two parents and carers who recently attended our Parent Engagement Workshops: "Understanding Your Child’s Reading Development," where they delved into the intricacies of their child's journey towards becoming proficient readers. Throughout the session, various essential skills necessary for reading proficiency were discussed in detail. From decoding and comprehension to fluency and vocabulary acquisition, parents gained a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of reading development.

The quote above created a great start to our workshop and reinforced that when children are involved in lots of interesting and detailed conversations, it really helps them learn words, understand how sentences work and recognize different sounds in English (the alphabetic code). Oral language provides the foundation for learning to read and is related to overall reading achievement throughout primary and secondary schooling. Hence, talking and listening to others talk is super important for them to become good at reading and writing later on.

The workshop also emphasised the importance of parental involvement in nurturing these skills outside the classroom. By providing a supportive environment at home, parents play a crucial role in reinforcing what children learn in school and fostering a love for reading. Experiences with books and other forms of print and seeing people reading and writing as a part of their everyday lives also prepares children for reading.  

I extend my gratitude to all the parents for their active participation and engagement in the workshop. Your commitment to understanding and supporting your child's reading development is truly commendable. I hope that the insights gained during the workshop will empower you to play an even more significant role in your child's educational journey. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where every child can thrive as a reader and lifelong learner. 

Thank you for your dedication and partnership in this important part of your child’s learning journey. 

Nerissa McCartney

Leader of Teaching & Learning