Learning to read is life-changing, with almost everything we do in society involving reading and writing.
Our reading commitment
In October 2023, Queensland announced a new reading commitment to teach reading consistently using an evidence-informed approach. This approach to reading has been shown as the most effective and efficient way to teach all students to read. Updates to the Australian Curriculum closely align with this reading research and present a unique opportunity for Queensland to refine how we teach reading.
What we know about reading
Learning to read is a complex process. As reading is not a naturally developing skill, such as walking or talking, all students need to be taught to read words and understand the language of written texts.
It takes years of learning and practice to become a skilled reader. Texts we read also become more complex as we get older. This is why we teach reading from Prep to Year 10.
Our plan to teach reading
In Queensland state schools we teach reading every day, in every classroom. This occurs in English and other learning areas as students read and engage with a variety of texts.
Our evidence-informed approach to reading includes systematic synthetic phonics and word study to strengthen students' word reading skills.
We build students' language comprehension by reading and discussing texts, as well as teaching background knowledge, vocabulary and other important skills.
Our partnerships for reading
Before children come to school, families build oral language which is the foundation for reading.
At each stage of schooling, families and carers play an important role in supporting children to read and learn about the world around them.
As a department, we acknowledge that teaching reading is everyone's work.
Parents and carers
The Department of Education, in collaboration with P&Cs Queensland, provided an online reading session for parents and carers to assist with supporting reading at home. A recording of the Twilight reading session for parents and carers is available below, along with a supporting resource on how to support your beginning reader (PDF, 1.3MB).