The Unexpected Benefits to Being on the Bus

In 2020, Queenwood school for girls in Sydney implemented a sustained silent reading (SSR) program. This article is a follow-up to their initial article on this program (Connections Issue 117), where we check in on the benefits that this program has had for the school.

Connections · Oct 1, 2022
The Time to Read

As described in the Connections article, Queenwood School for Girls in Sydney embarked on a comprehensive and intricate project led by the literacy committee to enhance reading for pleasure throughout the school. With the backing of crucial stakeholders, the committee diligently worked to provide the necessary resources and create opportunities to engage the entire school community in this endeavor.

Connections · Aug 31, 2022
Building a culture of reading

Queenwood School for Girl’s Head of Library discusses what it took to design and implement their silent reading program, and the results that have made Just Read so successful with students and staff.

The Book Curator · Jul 20, 2022
How one Sydney school got students reading in the social media age

Queenwood School for Girls introduced a mandatory 20-minute daily reading program, leading to a shift in educational culture. Two years in, the school has seen fewer students disliking reading, increased library borrowing, and improved vocabulary, showcasing the impact of consistent reading habits in the digital age.

Sydney Morning Herald · May, 2022
‘Just Read’ – Final Report AIS 2022 (Queenwood - Just Read Final Report)

Final report on a 2 year school-based research project implementing a daily, sustained silent reading initiative from K - 12.

Queenwood & Association of Independent Schools · Mar 15, 2022
Building a Reader for life: a sustained silent reading program for K-11 – JUST READ

From ACCESS article: As a school, we observed a concerning decline in the rates of leisure reading among our students, mirroring a distressing global trend highlighted by the National Literacy Trust (2020). In an era dominated by digital lifestyles, it is clear that the number of children and teenagers opting to read for pleasure is diminishing. As educators and teacher librarians, we acknowledge the significance of reading for enjoyment, recognizing its distinction from functional reading. This article delves into our proactive efforts to address this issue and explores the transformative impact of implementing a silent reading program across our K-12 school.

ACCESS Vol. 35, No.1 · Mar 31, 2021