We would like to encourage our learners to engage in at least 20 minutes of recreational reading (reading for enjoyment) each day. This could be independent reading (child reading to themselves), shared reading (child & adult taking turns to read), or reading aloud (reading to the child). 

There are many benefits to recreational reading or reading for enjoyment including-

• Improves comprehension and supports reading and writing development.

• Supports vocabulary development.

• Promotes positive attitudes to learning.

• Develops empathy and social skills.

• Reduces stress.

• Stimulates the imagination.

• Expands world view.

• Supports personal development and success in life as an adult.

Remember to choose quality children’s books for recreational reading and make it an enjoyable experience for your children. The links below will provide digital access to a broad range of quality children’s books.

It is often the perception that once children have begun to learn to read that they should be always expected to read independently. This is not the case. While it is important for children to practice reading independently at their own level,  it is also equally important to continue to read aloud to your children. Here is a list of reasons you should continue reading aloud to your child, no matter their age or reading level.

• Auditory comprehension is higher than reading comprehension, by reading aloud a more complex text than a child is able to read themselves you are helping them to engage and understand language at a higher level.

• It improves reading fluency, when you read aloud to children it models how to read fluently and with expression.

• Expands children’s vocabulary and stretches their language development.

• Models and sets up positive reading habits, enjoyment in reading and improves long term reading success.

• It allows children to enjoy the joy of the story and share the experience with others.

• Introduces children to new authors, text types and genres.

For further information - Brightly article, The importance of reading aloud to kids (Melissa Taylor)

Jill Sherlock Memorial Learning Assistance Library & Jill Sherlock Digital Library.

The Jill Sherlock Memorial Learning Assistance Library is a DET distance library that provides a postal borrowing service and an excellent eBook and audiobook selection. 

 Membership is free and available to the parents of all NSW DET school students. To join select ‘register’ at the top right of the home screen and fill in the online form. You will have access to the library catalogue as soon as you have submitted the registration form.

One of the benefits of using this library service is that because it is a DET school library it uses the same OLIVER Library platform as we do at LPS. Students from yrs 1-6 are familiar with using LPS Oliver Library and this should make it easy for them to search for books.

The digital library uses OverDrive and Sora ebook readers to download books, or books can also be read in your browser

Inner West Council Library  - E-Library

We recommend joining the Inner West Council Library as membership provides free access to a range of useful digital learning resources. It also provides access to a range of E-book and audiobook platforms, however we recommend using the Jill Sherlock library for access to children’s literature. This is because the Jill Sherlock Library is a DET school library and it specialises in children’s literature and has a larger selection of quality reading for children. 

You can join the Inner West Council Library online and have immediate access to digital resources. Remember to record your membership number as you will need it to logon to online platforms.

Membership at the Inner West Council E-Library provides access to the following learning platforms, World Book Online, World Book Early World of Learning, Britannica Library and Story Box Library.

City of Kingston Council Library - eLibrary

The Kingston Council Library is another public library that can be joined online and provides immediate access to their eLibrary for a period of 3 months from joining. The library also has a  Virtual Story Time with live readings of popular children’s picture books (you do not have to join the library to watch these). In addition to providing access to Story Box Library, World Book Online and Britannica Library Kingston Library also provides access to Tumble Book Library.

World Book Online

World Book Online is an excellent and trusted children's reference resource for general knowledge.

Early World of Learning - World Book Online

Early World of Learning is an engaging online information resource for children in early primary grades.

Britannica Library

Britannica Library is an authoritative and award-winning resource for children and adults. It's easy to use and easy to find trusted information.

Story Box Library

A fantastic place to watch popular children’s stories read aloud by our favourite storytellers. This is a great literary resource for pre-school through to upper primary-aged children, featuring a range of Australian actors, sportspeople, authors, illustrators and more share their unique voices in an ever-growing library.

Tumble Book Library

EBooks for kids! A fun and educational resource. Young children can listen to and watch animated, talking picture books. Children learning to read can practice their reading skills with read-along chapter books and non-fiction titles too. TumbleBooks includes games, puzzles, educational videos and books in other languages.

Please Note: These are subscribed programs and can be accessed by joining the recommended public libraries.