Reading for Life: Building Habits That Last Beyond Primary School

At our Primary School, teaching is more than a profession—it’s a vocation grounded in relationship and purpose. Our educators take the time to truly know each boy, nurturing his learning, but also his confidence, character, and sense of self. This care doesn’t happen by chance; it is built on experience, instinct and evidence.

One recent study by the NSW Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (What Works Best) looked at more than 80,000 students to uncover what really makes a difference in the classroom. The insights were clear and affirming - especially for those of us who spend time with young learners every day. Here are the seven key practices that the research says matter most:

• Setting high expectations
• Giving meaningful feedback
• Showing students how to do things clearly and step-by-step
• Using data early to spot when things aren’t clicking
• Managing the classroom well
• Supporting students’ wellbeing
• Working closely with colleagues

At St Augustine’s College, these practices are known and lived out each day. Whether it’s refining a lesson plan, checking in with a student after class, or collaborating with colleagues, our teachers are constantly thinking about how to do better for the boys in their care.

Helping Boys Read Well - and Enjoy It

Reading is a cornerstone of learning at every age and stage. . Whether your son is in Year 3 or Year 6, strong reading habits will support his growth across all subjects and throughout life. At the College, we are continually refining our approach to help boys read with greater fluency and deeper understanding.

Strong readers do more than simply move through the words on a page; They engage with the text by:

1. Asking questions as they go
2. Visualising what’s happening in their minds
3. Pausing to re-read if something doesn’t make sense

These habits build deep comprehension and confidence. The best way to reinforce them? Read together at home.

Shared reading doesn’t need to be formal or lengthy. In fact, some of the best progress happens when reading is relaxed and part of everyday life.

Dads, Uncles, Grandads - This Part’s for You

There’s something powerful about a boy seeing the men in his life pick up a book, a magazine, or even just the paper. Boys often model what they see, and when reading is seen as “something Dad does,” it sends a strong message.

Here are a couple of simple ideas to try at home:

1. Make time to read together

It doesn’t have to be every night, and it doesn’t have to be serious. Pick something you both enjoy - footy stats, a comic strip, a short story - and chat about it. Those moments really stick.

2. Let your son choose what he reads

Boys often lean towards non-fiction, facts, and things they’re already interested in. Dinosaurs, engines, sea creatures - you name it. The important part is that they’re reading. Let them follow their curiosity, and the rest tends to fall into place.

Also, don’t worry if your own reading is mostly sports pages or manuals - talk about those too. It all helps to build a culture where reading feels normal and meaningful.

A Good Time to Reset

With the holidays approaching, it’s a great opportunity to slow down and reconnect, especially through the simple joy of reading. Whether it’s a shared book before bed or enjoying a few quiet minutes with a magazine on the couch, these small moments can have a big impact.

At St Augustine’s College, we know that boys do best when school and home are working together. And when it comes to reading, that partnership can make all the difference.