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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Megan Doherty

Book Week is over but teachers want kids reading year-round

This week felt a little magical in schools around Canberra.

Book Week - with its theme of reading is magic - captured the imagination of students across the nation and across the national capital.

Teachers and students dressed up as their favourite book character and joyfully took part in the traditional Book Week parades.

Zara F, Grace P and Eleanor M from Mother Teresa School. Picture by Karleen Minney

There were also associated activities for the week, from performing plays to making dioramas to investigating texts to shadow judging the national children's book awards.

But teachers say they are committed to getting kids to read year-round - even in the face of overwhelming competition from screens and gadgets.

Mother Teresa School in Harrison makes sure to "encourage a love of reading" with its students, acting principal Craig Hart said.

"For us, it's really about the kids getting involved in books," he said.

Mother Teresa School teachers Danielle Cooper and Carly Salmon. Picture by Karleen Minney

"One of the things we try to do, whether it's independent reading, whether it's shared reading situation, whatever reading they are doing, we really encourage them to have physical books rather than online books or virtual books.

"We believe the actual physical book is still what we what the kids should be utilising. Just promoting that love of reading is the most important thing."

Stella M at Mother Teresa School. Picture by Karleen Minney

Mr Hart wanted kids to get lost in books.

"I think to actually sit with a book and get caught up in a book, rather than having that constant screen time is beneficial for kids as well," he said.

Where's Goldilocks? The three bears at Mother Teresa School - teachers Bec Cartwright, Sophia Caputo and Maryanne Hawes. Picture by Karleen Minney

The school has designated reading times and uses a range of reading, whether in pairs or in the classroom or intervention activities for those struggling.

Dinosaurs were popular at Mother Teresa School. Picture by Karleen Minney

"They see physical books around the place, in their classrooms, rather than something they have to just go to the library to get," Mr Hart said.

Evelyn Scott School teacher-librarian Natalie Otten and students Allison Smith, Brahmi Dave and Lyla Dalgleish read in the library during Book Week. Picture by Karleen Minney

"I think reading those physical books is a skill we still want kids to have," he added.

Evelyn Scott School teacher Sam Brunswick in the parade as the Lorax. Picture by Karleen Minney

At St Anthony's Parish Primary School in Wanniassa, principal Erin Marmont watched the school's Book Week parade with pride.

"This makes my heart so happy," she told the children.

St Anthony's year 6 student Alyssa Drew, 11. Picture by Megan Doherty

Reading was always encouraged at the school.

"Our system goal is that 'every student is a competent reader' and this is something we aim to achieve at St Anthony's," Ms Marmont said.

St Anthony's principal Erin Marmont and teacher Bernadette Whitfield went all Rainbow Magic with Willow the school dog. Picture by Megan Doherty

"The success of our reading program at St Anthony's has been attributed to our Catalyst program, informed by the science of reading and learning.

St Anthony's ELC teacher Asmaa Alaubidy. Picture by Megan Doherty

"Our students' love of reading is supported through our Initalit program, novel studies, daily reading, intervention programs, library lessons and, of course, our wonderful teachers, staff and library which is well resourced.

St Anthony's year 6 student Jesse Brooks as Derp. Picture by Megan Doherty

"Book Week is a wonderful way for our students to connect to literature and celebrate their love of reading."

And Jesse unmasked!

And with everything from Mr Men to Mary Poppins to Willy Wonka represented in the parade, it was a joyful celebration of reading.

Mary Poppins inspired St Anthony's teachers Lisa Daly, Ben Lowe and Bernadette Ephraums. Picture by Megan Doherty
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