Take Time To Read

If you do one thing in these upcoming holidays, please let it be reading!

As we come to the end of a really busy Semester 1, the approaching three-week break for students doesn’t have to stop the learning process, just change the way it looks. The one thing all our teachers hope is that students keep reading over the break. Everything else can happen naturally through their play, conversations and everyday life.

Reading – to your child, with your child, and let them read to you. Re-read their favourite books over and over and over again.

Sounds – encourage your children to play with sound. Stretch out words and blend them together, ask them what sounds they can hear at the start and end of words, play rhyming games in the car, use a silly voice – ask them to get their shoes in a robot voice!

Life is the teacher – use everyday life to consolidate skills such as helping to cook and measure ingredients, writing the shopping list, counting toys or steps as you walk, playing games, doing puzzles and building things. Make playdough, use it to create letters, numbers or shapes.

Use any holiday trips to your advantage – read signs and maps, menus or tickets, and count money. Spot numbers, words, symbols, and coloured cars all around you. Ask questions about what you see and what you notice.

Limit screen time – a little bit of screen time is fine; we all turn to it for a break, but don’t let screens be the replacement for learning. Conversation, play, and movement all matter more.

Read, talk, play and rest. Balance is the key. Enjoy your holidays and enjoy your family time.

PS – Here is our favourite no-cook playdough recipe at the moment.

• 2 cups of flour,
• 2 cups of boiling water,
• 1 cup of salt,
• 4 tablespoons of cream of tartar,
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and food colouring.

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until it starts to come together and form a thick ball. Turn out onto a flat surface and allow to cool slightly, then knead well with your hands until it becomes smooth, soft and no longer sticky.

You can also add sensory elements, such as essential oils or cut herbs, or substitute some flour with cocoa to make chocolate playdough! Store in an airtight container or zip-lock bag.

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