Developed in partnership with Education Services Australia

The Australian Curriculum sets the goal for what all students should learn as they progress through their school life. Skills in the Year 1-2 curriculum include:

• understanding that different types of writing have different purposes
• understanding the need for detail to communicate meaning and avoid confusion.

It’s easy to help your child practise these skills as part of everyday life – just use these simple ideas.

Delegate

Your child probably reads lots of stories, but what about information texts such as notes? Instead of reading them yourself, look for opportunities to ask your child to do it for you – especially when there's a specific task they can do, such as:

• reading a school excursion note to find out where it is, when it is, how much it will cost, and when the note is due back
• looking at the family calendar to find when swimming classes finish
• looking at the community newsletter to find out when the fireworks start
• reading a text message that you are sending to invite their friend over for a playdate
• adding an item to the shopping list
• writing a reminder for you 
• writing a message to someone else in the family.

Most children enjoy being helpful in this way, and it 's a great way for them to see the need for reading and writing in everyday life.

Go online

For some online reinforcement, Find a dog-walker will give your child practice at:

• reading short texts
• identifying key information
• making decisions based on information.

Plan a party will give your child practice at:

• creating an invitation
• reading labels to find information.

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