Reading unlocks everything we do- learning, working, participating in society. Supporting your child to read at home is one of the most powerful things you can do for them.  

Commencing last year, all Tasmanian Government schools are taking steps to introduce a new way of teaching reading. This follows the latest national and international research about how our brains learn to read.

What Does the Research Say? 

Children aren’t born with natural skills in reading, like they are for walking and talking. They must develop new pathways in their brain to master this skill. It is a complex process which must be taught explicitly.

Current research shows that reading can be broken down into a series of skills. One of these skills with a strong focus in the early years of school is phonics –the relationship between letters and sounds. At every stage it’s important that students master all the individual skills before moving on. This is the best way to set them up for success.

Reading at Home Prep- Grade 2

We are changing the way we teach reading and home reading is also changing for students in Prep- Grade 2 classes. The Nights of Reading Logbook for these classes has a new column for recording when the reading you do with your child each night is “Read to You” R2U or “Read to Me” R2Me. Over the week, it is important that you support your child to experience a mix of both of these. 

Reading at Home Grade 3-6

Students in primary grades also continue to benefit from reading at home, practising what is being learnt in reading in the classroom, building vocabulary and comprehension (understanding the meaning of what is read). Parents continue to play an important role in home reading in these grades by showing interest in what children are reading and helping them to develop a regular reading routine.

100 Nights of Reading in 2025

Home reading start next Monday for all students. This year’s rewards are-

50 Nights = Certificate & canteen ice-block

100 nights= Certificate & $2.00 canteen voucher

150 nights= Certificate & canteen ice-block

200 nights= Certificate & $10 Book Club voucher

Please support your child to establish this important regular routine- on the couch after school, in bed at night, even in the car waiting for after-school sport or an appointment.

Happy Reading!