Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge 

We are officially underway with the ACT Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge. I am pleased to say that ALL children have already read at least one book (in class or at home) to add to their record! K-2 are keeping a whole class recording chart, Years 3-6 have an individual online recording sheet via the Library Google Classroom and Google Docs.

Congratulations to Year 1 White who have already completed their class challenge of reading 30 books! I’m so impressed- especially for you taking part in the Australian Reading Hour last Week! A special congratulations to Avanthika J in Year 6 who is the first student in the school to complete the individual challenge! Thank you for setting a wonderful example to our school community! 

For Parents and Carers

Tips for reading with all children:

• visit the local library and enjoy spending time choosing new books and reading together, including e-books and audio books
• give books or book vouchers as presents
• ensure that your children see you reading, such as the newspaper, a cookbook, novel, short stories, manuals, or magazines
• identify online reading, such as online news, reviews, communications and e-books
• go to libraries or bookshops when authors are visiting - children and teenagers love meeting their favourite writers
• make sure your home is a reading home - with books and quiet, comfortable spaces to read
• encourage your children to read in any of the languages your family uses
• identify or schedule time for reading, such as before bed or between getting ready for school and leaving
• read books together before watching the film and then share thoughts about the two portrayals of the story.

Tips for reading with older children:

• encourage children to keep a book with them so they can read on journeys or in spare moments – this could include e-books
• support your child to search for books and read book reviews in interest areas, such as hobbies, sports, genres, favourite authors and biographies
• encourage children to join you as you read a recipe for you as you cook, or share a movie summary or review
• read books you can talk about together - ensure the talk is light-hearted, not testing or over-questioning
• encourage your children to swap books with their friends.

Tips for reading with younger children:

• read the books together with funny voices, or take turns to read different characters
• talk about your favourite parts of the books and which authors you like the most
• try reading in different locations like the backyard, coffee shop, or lounge room floor
• allow your child to choose how to read the book. They may like to do echo reading with you (parent reads and the child echoes back), shared reading with you (taking turns to read) or independent reading (read to you or to themselves).

Book Club Issue 2 

Scholastic book club will be running again this year. Issue 2 brochures will be coming home this week. Orders close WEDNESDAY 22ND March. All orders are placed online- please note we do not accept cash or orders at school as all orders are placed online. Click here to access an online version: https://www.scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/ 

You are encouraged to download the LOOP app which is an easy way for parents to order book club. Please note orders will take approximately 1 week to be delivered to school after the issue closing date (not when you place the order). 

Keep reading! Mrs Basedow