Sustained Silent Reading

At the beginning of Period 5, Monday to Friday, in every classroom in the school, students and teachers read silently for 15 minutes. Students can read whatever they like, at their own pace and with no requirements than to just read.

Research has shown that the benefits of regular sustained silent reading are significant: improved reading comprehension, increased vocabulary, better spelling, faster reading speed, not to mention an improved attitude towards reading in general. These are skills that are required across the curriculum, as well as for life beyond school. Furthermore, as author John Green writes, “Reading forces you to be quiet in a world that no longer makes space for that.”

For some students this 15 minutes has become one of the highlights of their day, while for others it is a constant challenge to maintain focus and settle down with a book they enjoy.

The St Hilda’s library is brimming with the latest YA and graphic novels, as well as engaging non-fiction texts. Our librarian, Ms Bouffard, is constantly adding to this collection and loves hearing from students about new books they would like for the library. There are also two Lilliput libraries strategically placed around the school so students can pick up or drop off books.

Here at St Hilda’s our daily reading ritual is an important one and something which you, as a parent or caregiver, can actively support.

How can you support SSR as a parent/caregiver?

· Show an interest in what your daughter is reading.

· Check in regularly with her progress and remind her to bring her book to school.

· Ask her to suggest something that you could read alongside her or ask her for a recommendation of something she’s recently finished reading.

· Along with encouraging her to use the school library, help your daughter to access the public library or recommend something from your own bookcase that you’ve enjoyed reading.

Julie van Rij - Literacy Co ordinator