Literacy in the Foundation Phase

What could be better than pausing to explore the many adventures a book can take you on? Reading activities across various genres open doors to creativity, reflection, and joy. In the Foundation Phase, our rotating Interest Room invites the girls to “Pause and Explore”, immersing themselves in different themes. This week’s focus was literacy, where the girls delighted in a variety of reading activities that sparked excitement and deepened their love for stories. As the saying goes, “Once a reader, always a leader.” We also encourage families to nurture this passion at home, remembering Emilie Buchwald’s wise words: “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”

Starting something new can feel like the hardest step, but once a routine is in place and the joy of the activity is experienced, the rewards are both lasting and meaningful. Here are a few simple ideas to help you nurture a love for reading in your home.

Create a reading routine

• Set aside a dedicated time each day for reading, such as before bed or on weekends, when the family can enjoy a story together, reading aloud or even bringing it to life through dramatisation.
• Make it a calm, enjoyable part of the day.

Lead by example

• Let children see you reading books, newspapers, or magazines.
• Share something interesting you have read with them.

Build a cozy reading space

• Create a small corner with cushions, blankets, and good lighting.
• Make it a “special place” just for reading.

Offer choice

• Allow children to choose books that interest them, even if they’re comics, magazines, or joke books.
• Visit the local library, and access digital reading platforms or bookstores together to pick out new material.

Read aloud together

• Take turns reading pages or characters in a story.
• Use voices, expression, and enthusiasm to bring stories to life.

Connect reading to interests

• If your child likes sports, find books about athletes.
• If they enjoy animals, look for adventure or fact books about wildlife.

Encourage discussions

• Ask questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or “Which character do you like most?”
• Talk about the story at dinner or during car rides.

Make reading interactive

• Act out scenes, draw characters, or write a new ending together.
• Pair books with related activities (reading a recipe and then baking it).

Celebrate progress

• Praise effort and small achievements, like finishing a chapter or reading aloud confidently.
• Keep a reading chart or journal to track the books that have been completed.

Use technology wisely

• Audiobooks and e-readers can be a fun alternative, especially for reluctant readers.
• Listen together during car rides or downtime.

At St Mary’s DSG, our teachers are passionate about nurturing literacy. We delight in celebrating each child’s unique reading journey and love sharing our expertise to help her grow as a confident, skilled reader. By teaming up with teachers, you can actively support your daughter’s learning, helping to develop strong literacy skills while inspiring a lifelong love of reading and meaningful connections with books.

Ready – Set – Go and Explore