In 2025, our school priority is connected to reading. Over this term we will be including information about reading each week in the newsletter.

Definition of Reading

Reading is to decode and process words, symbols or actions to derive or construct meaning.

It includes interpreting, critically analysing and reflecting on the meaning of written and visual, print and non-print texts.

Reading includes two vital components:

• Being able to decode letters on a page or screen into words
• Being able to understand and build meaning from the text

Learning to read is life-changing, with almost everything we do in society involving reading and writing.

In Queensland state schools, we teach students the vital components of reading (word reading and language comprehension) in a sequential order. This occurs across all learning areas and year levels, through the Australian Curriculum.

Learning to read is a complex process. As reading is not a naturally developing skill, such as walking or talking, all students need to be taught to read words and understand the language of written texts.

It takes years of learning and practice to become a skilled reader. Texts we read also become more complex as we get older. This is why we teach reading from Prep to Year 10.

At Calliope State School we teach reading every day, in every classroom. This occurs in English and other learning areas as students read and engage with a variety of texts. In 2025, we have introduced Decodables Australia into our Prep-Year 2 classrooms and have texts available online for home reading.

Our evidence-informed approach to reading includes systematic synthetic phonics and word study to strengthen students’ word reading skills.

We build students’ language comprehension by reading and discussing texts, as well as teaching background knowledge, vocabulary and other important skills.