When I was little, my favourite book was “Robert the Rose Horse”.
My parents read it to me every night, and it was the first book I could read all the way through. Not that I was reading the words, I remembered the words and believed I was a reader. I can still remember the day I took my very tattered copy into class and recited it for them all, and my teacher Mrs Isbell.
Such wonderful memories.
Next week Australian schools celebrate Book Week. At Thomas Hassall, we would usually have a book parade and classes would be working on many varied and exciting activities.
Although we are not at College, we will still be celebrating Book Week on Wednesday August 25th. Further details will be sent to you later today regarding it.
Reading to children is a gift. Teachers love to read books in class, no matter what age the students are. I hope that, like my parents, many of you enjoy the chance to read to your children at home. Research emphasises the importance of reading to children. It helps develop a child’s oral comprehension and reading fluency, and it also encourages children to see reading as a positive experience, something to do as a social activity. How many of us are participating in Zoom Book Clubs during lockdown?
In the next few days we will be sending out details about a great new opportunity for Junior School families at Thomas Hassall. We have organised free access for our families to Story Box Library – an Australian website with Australian stories being read by Australian actors, authors, entertainers and journalists.
During lockdown, we are all experiencing changes to schedules. If you are finding it more difficult to find the opportunity to read to your children, logging onto this site will allow them to enjoy a wonderful storytelling experience.
And please share your favourite stories from childhood with your children. Encourage them to develop a love of reading at every chance you get.
Ms Lisa Hansford
Director of Teaching and Learning