RPI Day 1 Reflection
Developing reading skills across the curriculum is essential in shaping lifelong learners. Strong readers read with expression and fluency, understand and retell texts, identify key features and author intentions, and think critically about what they read. They use strategies independently, apply their learning in wider contexts, participate actively, and most importantly, enjoy reading.
To promote this culture in my classroom, I will prioritise Sustained Silent Reading (SSR), build reading mileage, and encourage reading with whānau. Creating consistent routines and valuing reading time will help strengthen positive habits and engagement.
This course has strengthened my understanding that effective reading programmes require explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. I have gained confidence in using assessment data to identify gaps and adjust my teaching to meet learners’ needs. Consistent practice, structured lessons, and engaging, culturally relevant texts are key to improving outcomes.
Knowing my learners — their interests, strengths, and needs — is vital. When reading connects to their experiences, motivation and confidence grow. Using the reader survey will help me better understand what my students choose to read and why, especially after a busy week like Year 6 camp. Moving forward, I am focused on establishing clear ground rules and maintaining strong routines to ensure reading time remains purposeful and effective.
