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Teaching and learning

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​​​​​​​​​​​​Class Newsletter​s

​Each term, we publish class newsletters with information relevant to each year level. The newsletters can be viewed in the links to the right.​​​​​​​​

Read Well - Reading at Gumdale

At Gumdale State School, we are dedicated to fostering strong literacy skills through an evidence-based, structured approach, ensuring students from Prep to Year 6 become confident readers.

Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP)
We implement a Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) approach, explicitly teaching the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and letters (graphemes). Students learn to blend these sounds to read and spell words effectively. This method is widely recognised for its success in early literacy development across Australian schools.

Decodable Readers

To support phonics instruction, we utilise decodable readers aligned with students' learning stages. In the early years, the Dandelion Series offers engaging texts that reinforce phonics skills. For older students needing additional support, the Totem and Island Adventure series provide age-appropriate materials to strengthen reading proficiency.

Our subscription to Decodable Readers Australia (DRA) allows students to access a wide range of digital decodable books both at school and home, facilitating consistent practice.

Authentic Texts
As students master decoding skills, they progress to authentic texts featuring diverse spelling patterns and vocabulary. This transition enables them to apply their phonics knowledge in more complex reading contexts, promoting deeper comprehension and a love for reading.

Vocabulary Development

Robust vocabulary instruction is integral to our program. We focus on Tier 2 words—high-utility words that appear across various texts—to enhance students' language comprehension. Teachers explicitly teach these words, providing definitions, synonyms, and morphological variations, helping students deepen their understanding and use of language.

Reading Comprehension Strategies

To develop fluent and comprehensive readers, we use strategies such as:

  • Sound Warm-ups: Reviewing relevant phonemes.
  • Identifying Tricky Words: Highlighting unfamiliar words.
  • Decoding Practice: Encouraging students to sound out and blend words.
  • Story Retelling: Reinforcing understanding by recounting stories.
  • Questioning: Engaging students with questions about the text.
  • Celebrating Success: Recognising and celebrating reading achievements.​​

Hear from the experts in this video.

Supporting Literacy at Home

Parents play a crucial role in language development. You can support your child's literacy by:

  • Engaging in regular conversations.
  • Incorporating language into play.
  • Singing songs together.​
  • Reading stories daily.
  • Introducing new vocabulary during everyday activities.

For additional resources and advice, please visit Reading through the Australian Curriculum.​


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Last reviewed 28 May 2025
Last updated 28 May 2025