Speech Language News

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Nurturing a Love for Books and Stories in Children

Reading goes beyond the classroom; it’s a crucial skill that equips children for lifelong success. When kids find joy in reading, they build essential skills in language, critical thinking, and creativity that benefit them at school and in life. Books not only expand vocabulary and introduce new ideas, but they are also invaluable for bilingual (EALD) students, helping improve both English and their home language.

Ways to Make Reading Fun and Interactive:

Parents can make reading time special by bringing stories to life. Here are some engaging ideas to inspire young readers:

Talk About the Story: Ask questions like, “Why do you think the character did that?” This promotes critical thinking and helps children express their ideas.

Make Predictions Together: Pause during suspenseful parts and ask, “What do you think will happen next?” This builds excitement and understanding.

Act Out Scenes: Re-enacting parts of the story together makes reading fun, improves memory, and deepens understanding of characters.

Book Recommendations for Prep to Year Six:

Here are some age-appropriate titles to explore with your child:

Prep to Year 2:

	“Where is the Green Sheep?” by Mem Fox This book is perfect for younger children just starting to explore reading. It’s simple, repetitive language helps emerging readers build confidence with familiar words and phrases.
	“The Very Cranky Bear” by Nick Bland With relatable characters and a simple storyline, “The Very Cranky Bear” captures young readers' attention while teaching valuable lessons about empathy and friendship. Its rhyming text is enjoyable to read aloud, and it helps children improve their phonemic awareness, a key skill at this stage.

Year 3 to Year 4:

	“Matilda” by Roald Dahl “Matilda” introduces slightly more complex themes around independence, resilience, and kindness, which are appealing for children as they start to understand relationships outside their family and develop a stronger sense of justice. The book’s humour and imaginative storylines also keep young readers engaged.
	“Diary of a Wombat” by Jackie French This book presents an amusing look at life from a wombat’s perspective, introducing children to narrative structures through diary-style entries. It’s great for building early comprehension skills, as kids can follow the simple, daily events and understand the humorous relationship between the wombat and the humans.

Year 5 to Year 6:

	“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio “Wonder” deals with themes of acceptance, kindness, and overcoming challenges, ideas that resonate strongly with children in their later primary years, who are beginning to navigate complex social dynamics. This is a great book to foster discussions about diversity, resilience, and the importance of kindness.
	“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” by Rick Riordan. This series is especially popular with older primary students who are ready for a more involved storyline. It combines adventure, mythology, and humour, which captivates readers who are becoming more independent and able to follow intricate plots and character development.

Making Reading a Family Tradition:

Set a Family Reading Time: Dedicate 15 to 30 minutes daily for reading together. Each family member can share a favourite book or part of a story.

Read in Both Languages: For bilingual families, reading in both languages reinforces language skills and celebrates cultural heritage.

Visit the Local Library: Introduce your child to the world of books by visiting the school or local library. It’s a great way to find books they’ll love.

Accessing Free Books in the Community: Families in Robertson can find free books at local Street Libraries. These small, community-run book exchanges allow families to borrow and donate books freely. Visit Street Library Australia’s website to locate nearby Street Libraries in Brisbane.

Reading with your child, discussing stories, and exploring books in multiple languages are wonderful ways to nurture literacy and foster a love of learning, a gift that grows with them.

Happy reading and until next time,

Morgan Johnson

Speech-Language Pathologist

Robertson State School (Mondays & Tuesdays)