TEACHING AND LEARNING
I would like to follow on from Mrs Jago, our librarian, and her newsletter message about the Reading Challenge. This is a wonderful initiative aimed at encouraging a love reading for leisure and pleasure in students! As she mentioned, it provides an opportunity for children to experience quality literature, broadening their understanding and appreciation of different genres and authors. The challenge is not a competition but an invitation for each student to read, to read more, and to read more widely - and most importantly provides teachers and parents the opportunity to encourage and set up a regular reading routine.
The Importance of Regular Reading
When children engage in daily reading, they are buiding a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Consistency is key—it helps develop fluency, comprehension, and a love for books that can last a lifetime. Each reading session strengthens their vocabulary, improves focus and concentration, and enhances their ability to empathise with others. Reading regularly also supports academic success across all subjects, as it fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The Power of Vocabulary
One of the most significant benefits of regular reading is the development of a rich and expansive vocabulary. As children encounter new words in various contexts, they begin to understand their meanings and how to use them effectively. This growing vocabulary is crucial for comprehension; the more words a child knows, the better they can understand and engage with the text. A strong vocabulary is also a key factor in academic success. It allows children to express their ideas clearly, understand complex instructions, and grasp the content of different subjects more effectively. Whether it’s decoding a challenging text in English or understanding a word problem in Mathematics, a robust vocabulary empowers children to excel.
The Value of Diverse Genres
Exposing children to a wide range of genres is equally 
important it’s fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or biographies, each genre offers unique benefits and insights. Fiction fuels imagination and creativity, while non-fiction introduces factual knowledge and real-world concepts. Poetry can inspire an appreciation for language’s rhythm and beauty, and biographies allow children to learn from the lives of others. By exploring different genres, children can discover what truly excites them, sparking a passion for reading that will continue to grow. This variety also helps them develop a well-rounded understanding of the world, as they encounter different viewpoints, cultures, and ideas.
The Premier’s Reading Challenge provides a structured yet enjoyable way to encourage children to expand their reading habits and immerse themselves in a diverse range of books. By setting aside time to read with your child, visiting the local library, or discussing books together, you can reinforce the joy and value of reading beyond the classroom. Let’s inspire our children to embrace reading as a lifelong adventure!
If you would like some support with helping your children choose quality literature or find their favourite genre and/or author, please don’t hesitate in contacting our fabulous librarian, Mrs Jago, she will always be more than willing to help you get lost in a book!! You can email her at: cecilia.jago@syd.catholic.edu.au