Making Ashfield Public a Reading School: A Community Effort 

Students at Ashfield have wholeheartedly embraced the AR program, discovering motivation and joy during their quiet reading time each morning and in the library. Flynn, a Year 5 student, shares his excitement about the program: “AR definitely makes reading more fun! I enjoy challenging myself with new genres, but it also helped me find my favourite author, Liz Pichon, who wrote the Tom Gates books.” This enthusiasm reflects a broader shift among students, who are not only developing their reading skills but also cultivating a genuine passion for expanding their literature. 

The engagement doesn’t stop with the students; parents play an integral role in enhancing the classroom library. Jenny, a dedicated teacher, highlights this collaborative effort: “Flynn’s mum is one of our parent’s rep, and it’s been incredible. I can simply reach out to her, and she connects with the community of parents in the class. When I ask the students what they’d like to read or what I should recommend, they share their preferences, and the parents have stepped up by purchasing and donating those books to our classroom library.” 

This strong partnership between teachers and parents has created a supportive reading environment that empowers students to explore various genres and discover new authors. With such community involvement, Ashfield Public School fosters a culture of literacy that extends beyond the classroom, enriching the reading experiences of all students. 

At Ashfield Public School, the library, managed by Joan, is a bustling hub of literacy and activity from early mornings to late afternoons. Hosting programs like Lego Club before school and a Homework Club after hours, Joan ensures the library is always accessible and engaging. “I’ve had kids say they’ve come during their break to borrow because maybe they forgot their books the previous day, which is awesome. They’re never without an opportunity to read. It’s very accessible,” adds Jenny, highlighting the welcoming nature of the library. 

Joan’s approach to setting up the Accelerated Reader section prioritises visibility and ease of access. “Because the door is there, the process is they walk in, drop off their book for return, and then they immediately walk in this direction. If you don’t make it easy, it won’t work,” she emphasises. This thoughtful organisation encourages students to engage with the AR program and explore a wider range of reading materials. 

Since implementing Accelerated Reader, Joan has noticed a shift in borrowing patterns, encouraging students to venture beyond their usual preferences. “We’ve seen a decline in graphic novel borrowing,” she notes, adding that sharing her enthusiasm for different titles helps spark interest. “Our library is now open before our school even begins, which  was an initiative thanks to Joan,” says Florence, capturing the warmth and enthusiasm that Joan brings to the Ashfield community. 

The commitment to literacy at Ashfield Public School is driven by the leadership team, particularly Assistant Principal Florence, who has ensured that Accelerated Reader (AR) is a fundamental part of the school’s identity. “AR is just so deeply embedded into our culture,” Florence explains, reflecting how deeply integrated the program has become in shaping students’ reading journeys. This cultural shift has not only sparked a love of reading among students but has also provided teachers with valuable tools to track progress and nurture individual growth. 

An integral part of the school’s commitment to literacy is the initiative that encourages reading aloud across all classes. Florence explains, “Every class has a class novel, or it could be a picture book in the primary years. The class teacher has allocated time where students are read quality literature every day.” This collective reading experience is a powerful tool in the classroom, ensuring that even reluctant readers are exposed to engaging stories. Florence adds that it allows students to participate in AR quizzes, even if they can’t access the text on their own, reinforcing the school’s dedication to nurturing literacy among all students.

The implementation of Accelerated Reader has had a great impact on student literacy and overall academic success at Ashfield Public School. Florence highlights that since adopting AR, they have seen steady growth in NAPLAN results, reflecting the program’s effectiveness in fostering literacy skills. She notes, “I think one of the best things about it is that you’re giving children the chance of engaging with digital literacy skills as well… They’re having that regular exposure.” This emphasis on regular practice not only enhances reading abilities but also aligns with the skills required for online assessments, such as NAPLAN. 

Moreover, the commitment to understanding each student as an individual, rather than merely a data point, is vital to the school’s approach. Florence states, “I think it’s also important because then we’re seeing students as students, not just as a data point.” This perspective informs their instructional strategies, ensuring that teachers can tailor support to meet each student’s needs. By fostering a holistic view of student progress, Ashfield Public School continues to cultivate a culture of literacy that benefits the entire school community.