It is with pleasure I introduce myself as Head of Department (Curriculum) at New Farm State School. I am a mother of three active boys and with a career spanning 19 years working with primary-aged children, I am certainly looking forward to getting to know the students. Thank you for the warm welcome I have received from the whole school community!

In 2020 The Arts curriculum will be our focus. In the Australian Curriculum, The Arts is a unique learning area that draws together various art forms. These art forms include dance, drama, music, visual arts and media arts. At times these art forms have close interrelated relationships in which we will explore.

Daniel L and Billy R in 5H love to read! Daniel says, “Reading is really interesting” and Billy likes to “be in (his) own world and relax” whilst reading.

For the Love of Reading

As a parent, reading is the single most effective activity you can do to support your child’s learning across all curriculum areas, including The Arts.       

Reading and listening to your child not only offers a wonderful opportunity for you to bond with your child, but also assists with fluency and builds comprehension.

However, loving to read is not something that comes natural to all children. Sometimes they love to get lost in a book, make connections, predict what will happen next and other times children just want to look at the pictures and be done. From a very young age, parents can help cultivate a love of reading in their children. How can we cultivate a love of reading?

1. Surround them with literature that excites them

When you are reading to your child, read with excitement. Try modelling what great reading looks likes, sounds like, and how great readers think, but be sure to choose literature that excites them. You want them to be glued! You want them to look forward to hearing you read the book!

2. Provide ample opportunities to read

At New Farm SS reading to students happens many times a day and allowing opportunities for students to read to us just because they want to read. At the NFSS library, classes make time to read new books, alone and to each other. At home, try to provide as many opportunities for your child to read as possible.

I look forward to updating you regarding curriculum matters at New Farm State School.