In years 8-12 English students are expected to read at the beginning of each lesson for 10 minutes. At Renmark High School we understand that reading is important and that it is a powerful skill to have. Reading is a transferrable skill and is used in every aspect of our life. To improve the speed and accuracy of reading practice needs to occur. In this way, reading stamina is built. It is an expectation that your student brings all of their learning materials to class including their independent reading novel. This book can come from our school library or from home.

To build reading stamina we encourage that reading takes place in and out of the classroom. I encourage you to have conversation with your student about what they are reading. You could ask them questions such as:

• What is happening in the current book you are reading?
• Are you enjoying it?
• Have you read any other books by this author?
• Can you make some predictions about what might happen next?
• Is this book challenging you?
• Are there any words you don’t understand?

As in all aspects of life taking an interest in what your student is reading, modelling reading at home, taking a trip to the library or local bookshop will reinforce the importance of life-long reading.

Biljana Elliott - Literacy and Global Perspectives Leader