The term “Science of Reading” refers to the research that reading experts (primarily cognitive scientists), have conducted on how we learn to read. Researchers suggest that there is a simple view of reading and that learning to read requires two abilities - correctly identifying words (decoding) and understanding their meaning (comprehension). An extensive body of research on reading instruction shows that there are five essential skills for reading and that a high quality literacy program should include all five components.These are phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension. 

• Phonemic Awareness - The ability to identify and manipulate the distinct individual sounds in spoken words. 
• Phonics - The ability to decode words using knowledge of letter- sound relationships.
• Fluency - reading with speed and accuracy.
• Vocabulary - Knowing the meaning of a wide variety of words and the structure of written language.
• Comprehension - Understanding the meaning and intent of the text. 

The sixth essential skill that many researchers also discuss, is oral language. Oral language consists of phonology, grammar, morphology, vocabulary, discourse, and pragmatics. The acquisition of these skills often begins at a young age, before students begin focusing on print-based concepts such as sound-symbol correspondence and decoding. Because these skills are often developed early in life, children with limited oral language can have challenges when learning to read. 

A great website for parents to access about the Science of Reading at home is:

https://fivefromfive.com.au/parent-resources/

Cross Country

Today was a big success! Thank you to all of the students who participated, all of the staff who encouraged and all of the parents that volunteered.