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Inside Literacy: How Children Really Learn to Love Reading
Reading is one of the most important foundations of a child's learning, but how do we help children move beyond simply being able to read and develop a genuine love for books? In this episode of the Parent Teacher Project, we speak with Joshua Woolnough, primary teacher, mentor and literacy coach at Redfield College, about the role literacy plays in a child's development and the simple ways families can nurture a culture of reading at home. The conversation also looks at the challenge of screens and distraction, the value of shared reading experiences within families, and how stories can help children—and adults—develop empathy, imagination and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Discussion Points: How to nurture a genuine love of reading at home and create an environment where books are part of everyday family life. Giving children some freedom to choose what they read, while gently encouraging them to explore books that challenge and expand their interests. Making reading a shared experience through conversations, reading aloud and simply spending time together with books. Building healthy reading habits and finding balance with screens and devices. Helping children navigate the growing world of books and online recommendations, while creating space for open conversations. Book recommendations for children, teenagers and parents, including classics, modern fiction and stories that can support imagination, empathy and personal growth. References mentioned in the episode: Books For younger readers: Redwall Series — Brian Jacques The Chronicles of Narnia — C.S. Lewis The Hobbit — J.R.R. Tolkien Charlotte's Web — E.B. White Bridge to Terabithia — Katherine Paterson I Am David — Anne Holm The Wind in the Willows — Kenneth Grahame Grimm's Fairy Tales — Brothers Grimm Fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen Dog Man — Dav Pilkey Airborn series — Kenneth Oppel Artemis Fowl series — Eoin Colfer Eragon — Christopher Paolini Alex Rider series — Anthony Horowitz Ranger's Apprentice — John Flanagan For older readers and adults Watership Down — Richard Adams The Lord of the Rings — J.R.R. Tolkien Books by Brandon Sanderson Life of Pi — Yann Martel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas — John Boyne The Book Thief — Markus Zusak Frankenstein — Mary Shelley A Farewell to Arms — Ernest Hemingway All Quiet on the Western Front — Erich Maria Remarque Books by Jane Austen Middlemarch — George Eliot Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine — Gail Honeyman A Man Called Ove — Fredrik Backman The Wheel of Time series — Robert Jordan Study Mentioned: "Fiction and Empathy" — Dr Raymond Mar / I think he is referring to the paper by the same author: Stories and the Promotion of Social Cognition Apps and Tools for Device Management: Brick - a physical device and accompanying app that allows users to block selected apps and reduce distractions. Shift / Shift Your Focus – a platform designed to help users reduce distractions and be more intentional with their device use. Goodreads - useful platform for reading reviews, finding recommendations and connecting with groups that share suitable book suggestions. Join the Conversation We'd love to hear your thoughts. What resonated most with you from this conversation, and what is one reading habit or tradition you would like to try with your family? You can: Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes
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