An initiative by
Waitākere College
in Partnership with EPIT
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Teachers began to wonder what might happen if they sent some fun and engaging children’s books home with their Year 9 and 10 students so that they could read these to their siblings and cousins. The whakaaro behind this idea was to enable students to have fun reading in a safe environment so that their confidence and desire for reading would increase.
Many Year 9 and 10 students at Waitākere College were struggling with literacy, and reading was a challenge for them. Findings showed that this is partly due to the lack of fun and engaging books growing up, and a dislike for reading out loud. Over time this has compounded, resulting in poor literacy skills overall. The same students who struggled with literacy are also very committed to supporting whānau - particularly their younger siblings and cousins.
The most heartwarming achievement is witnessing a genuine love for reading blossom in our students. Reading has evolved from a school requirement to a source of joy and boundless imagination for our children.
Using a tuakana approach to reading with younger family members, was a way to introduce more books and positive reading experiences across the whānau. The idea was discussed with students first who were very positive about it and so it got underway with limited resources but lots of enthusiasm. EPIT enabled more books, and more student involvement along with the support and means to track progress and build sustainability into the programme.
Love for Reading: We are in the situation where our students are complaining that their siblings are asking for more and more books to read at home! We have exciting plans for the coming year, including more interactive reading events, additional resources, and a continued focus on data-driven improvements to benefit each and every student.
We are determined to build upon the achievements of our first year and continue to nurture a strong reading culture here at Wāitakere College.
Literary Skills Triumph: Students have made remarkable strides in their literary skills, showcasing improved fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, all thanks to the tireless efforts of our educators and the dedication of our students.
Revamped Reading Environments: Our Tuakana library and reading spaces have undergone a transformation, creating vibrant hubs for reading and exploration. These inviting spaces have become the centre of students' reading journeys.
Abundance of Reading Materials: The books collection has been expanded to cater to diverse interests and reading levels. The introduction of these new resources has expanded students' horizons and intensified their love for reading.
Whānau Involvement: The commitment to family engagement has been pivotal in nurturing a reading culture at home. Families have had an active participation and provided invaluable support and enthusiasm for r students.
Data Reinforcement: Our kaiako have been tracking the progress of every student, allowing us to tailor instruction and support to their unique needs. We have seen a boost in the literacy of our students this year with a clear trend in our PAT data that demonstrates our students are growing in this area.
Waitākere College is a secondary school in West Auckland with approximately 1500 students. Focused on serving the community, Waitākere aims to offer challenging, innovative and future-focused programmes to raise the levels of achievement for a diverse student population. The school vision is expressed in the three strands of the school logo Aroha (love), Manawanui (perseverance) and Matauranga (knowledge).