Reading with your child
Reading is critical part of learning and here at Golden Grove Lutheran we place a significant emphasis on ‘getting it right’ early on. The junior years are vital to a good start to schooling so we use a number of programs and resources to support the learning of reading.
In Reception we introduce the sounds of the alphabet with the Jolly Phonics program.
“Jolly Phonics is a fun and child centred approach to teaching literacy through synthetic phonics. With actions for each of the 42 letter sounds, the multi-sensory method is very motivating for children and teachers, who can see their students achieve.”
Our YouTube channel has been highly popular and successful in learning the jolly sounds as well as understanding what a Jolly Phonics lesson may look like in the classroom. Below are links to these clips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-bZlmRw2uI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlkIC4Yls5I
Once sounds are learnt children will be ready for home readers. When reading it is important to note that moving up levels is dependent not just on decoding and reading the text successfully but showing a good understanding of what has been read.
Students who need extra support in the younger year levels can be supported with the use of a number of programs. These include Toe-by-Toe, MiniLit and MultiLit. These programs have been highly successful in our school over the past few years.
Phonics is not the only way we teach students to read. There are many other strategies that are introduced and taught in the early years. Cards showing the strategies are often used in the classrooms and copies of these can be taken home to reinforce with your child.
When listening to your child read at home we recommend the following…
- Make it fun.
- Make it routine.
- Use a variety of reading materials as well as take home readers.
- Be encouraging.
- Use strategies that are used at school.
- Read to your child.
Research says that a love of reading is needed for successful learning. Thanks for supporting us and your child through the learning to read adventure.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s reading please see your child’s teacher.