Monday, July 1, 2024
No doubt we are all hearing in the media of recent federal government plans to mandate the teaching of reading to our young children using systematic synthetic phonics. It certainly makes for an interesting debate!
Those tasked with teaching children to read and those advocating for quality literature to be a part of this process understand the complexities of reading.
Decades of research conducted by some of the world’s most accomplished reading academics have increasingly documented this complexity. Reading instruction requires teacher judgment, close observation of children, and a deep knowledge of multiple reading approaches, of children’s literature and other texts, and of children’s own reading practices.
Sharing quality literature as children learn the skills of decoding written texts gives purpose to their efforts, and, if the literature is good enough, motivation to continue to read for the pleasure it brings.
The CBCA continues to advocate for reading to be embedded in children’s cultural practices; for reading to be seen as an engaging, joyous and social activity. Knowing what is being published for young readers and having access to lists of quality, diverse and thought-provoking books is one way the CBCA can support this purpose.
Our Book of the Year Awards, just shy of its 80th year, draws attention to some of the best examples of books to share with young readers. The Notables list with its excellent and free online critiques is a great resource. Judges’ Talks, facilitated by our very knowledgeable Victorian judges (in the EC, YR and OR categories) can be booked to speak at your school, library or community event.
We are delighted to have secured Australian Children’s Laureate, Sally Rippin to speak with media personality Jacinta Parsons in early August at a free VIC Branch hosted event. Sally is a keen advocate for equal accessibility to reading and will share how adults can support developing readers.
The Geelong Region is hosting a Judges Talk in July, with further information available in the newsletter and Gippsland has been hosting several Author Talks at schools in Bairnsdale, Wonthaggi, Warragul and Orbost.
The VIC Branch is gearing up to offer a wonderful free event to celebrate Children’s Book Week at Luna Park in August, and we will share more fabulous short videos to assist children and parents to make quick, cheap and fun Children’s Book Week costumes.
Plans have also begun to celebrate our 80th Anniversary of the Book of the Year Awards. We hope to be able to offer events in all our Victorian regions in 2025 to mark this momentous occasion and acknowledge the important place in children’s literature these awards have held for so many years.
Jo Panckridge
CBCA VIC Branch President