Torbanlea State School
Homework Policy
SUPPORTING READING AT HOME
OUR READING COMMITMENT
At Torbanlea State School, we believe learning to read is a priority for every student. Teachers
work diligently to teach reading, and your support at home is vital in enhancing student
achievement. Queensland’s new reading commitment focuses on a consistent, evidence
informed approach to teaching reading, which includes systematic synthetic phonics and word
study to strengthen word reading skills. We teach reading every day, in every classroom, across
all learning areas, as students engage with a variety of texts. In addition, we build students'
language comprehension through reading and discussing texts, while teaching background
knowledge, vocabulary, and other essential skills.
OUR PARTNERS IN READING
Families play a key role in supporting reading development, and we encourage you to read
with your child every day. We ask that all students read for at least 15 minutes each
weekday evening and record their progress in a reading log. Reading can be done in various
ways: to a child, with a child, or by a child, depending on the day and their ability. For students
in Prep* to Year 2, a document wallet with books will be sent home (and returned) each
Monday. These books are selected at the student’s independent reading level and can be read
and re-read to build fluency. Students in Years 3 to 6 will have the opportunity to borrow
suitable books from the library to read.
*Home reading in Prep commences around Term 2 or 3, depending on individual progress.
“Research tells us that a student’s reading ability has an impact on their achievement at school,
social and emotional wellbeing, employment opportunities and even long-term health outcomes”
(Queensland Department of Education, 2023).
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT YOUR READER AT HOME?
The Department of Education, in collaboration with P&Cs Queensland, has provided an online
reading session for parents and carers to assist with supporting reading at home. A recording
of the Twilight reading session for parents and carers is available below, along with a
supporting resource on
how to support your beginning reader (PDF, 1.3MB).
Link to Twilight Reading Session for parents and carers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHaIBQ1kL9w&t=18s
Additionally, you can view the Department’s
reading position statement (PDF, 1.2MB) and
effective teaching of reading literature review (PDF, 3.4MB).
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to ensuring the success of your child and
our students.
Your dedication is greatly appreciated