Teaching and learning

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.

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.​