The ability to read well is considered a most critical skill for academic success. The benefits of reading are many and include increased vocabulary and comprehension skills, improved focus and concentration, more effective structuring of sentences, and (strangely for an independent activity) better social skills. Reading allows us to learn about our world and society, about events and behaviours, in a safe place - the pages of a book.
Once a week, Middle School classes visit the Library during an English lesson as part of the Reading Programme. Students are allowed time to select and borrow reading of their own choice; a level of autonomy they may not have had previously. This self-directed selection allows students to take and read books based on their own interests and build upon their reading skills. However, self-direction can result in some poor choices of reading material. Some students select books that are well below their reading ability as a safe or easy option. Others select books with language that is too sophisticated for their understanding or may contain concepts too mature for their developmental stage. Each will result in students being unable to reap the full rewards of reading whilst they have that particular book.
As teacher librarians, we work toward helping students make good choices in their reading selection in the following ways:
- Provide an appropriate range of titles which offer diversity of content and perspective; which support the School’s core values and are non-discriminatory, imaginative and both age and ability appropriate.
- Literacy advocacy based on our knowledge of the collection and individual student needs we seek to match students with suitable books.
- Promote discussion between students about their reading as a way of recommendation to others.
- Encourage reflection during class where we provide time for students to reflect on their reading thereby enabling more appropriate future choices of reading material.
- Provide access for students to thematic displays and the full collection before school, at lunchtime, after school and during their scheduled lesson.
Parents can help to develop their children’s reading ability by ensuring they are reading their book each day for a minimum of 20 minutes without external distraction and that they record this as part of their homework. Parents are encouraged to show an interest in what their children are reading and ask open ended questions that will provoke thoughtful consideration and an extended response. Parents’ being a positive role model and adopting an enthusiastic approach about reading will assist in developing a positive attitude and a love of reading in their child and is an important element of supporting learning.
Should you have any queries about the reading programme, your child’s reading choices or our collection, please contact the Middle School/Senior School Library on 9304 5529.