Queensland Reading Rescue

Choosing a text for an intermediate reader can be tricky. Things I look for include great engaging pictures and double spaced text with a nice simple font. The topic should appeal to my reader’s interest… in these examples the girl wants to pet sit a snake and the boy wants to be a cool surfer.
Both are topics my readers find interesting.
Most importantly the child should be reading to you and you should be listening carefully (not driving or cooking the dinner!) They need supportive constructive feedback at the end of the sentence. This can be praise or feedback on a tricky word they need to fix.
I like alternate page reading with you modelling the expression and enjoyment of text. When I read the student has to follow with their eyes and say a word if I pause so that I know they are keeping up with me. Most adults need to slow down as we read much faster than our kids.
At the end of a book or a couple of chapters don’t forget to colour a step in your child’s reward chart! Rewards should be negotiated and agreed in advance so that the child knows what they are working towards. (Would you work if you were unsure what wage your employer was going to give you each week? Would you work if your employer forgot to pay you for a few weeks?)
Learning to read is extremely hard for students with dyslexia or learning difficulties. Eventually it is very rewarding but initially it is hard work and needs external motivation!
Also never forget YOU are your child’s biggest motivation!! (Time with you in an engaged state is the highest form of reward!)

Happy Birthday to Daisy! She is 4 today! My lovely caring reading dog has supported so many students in their learning journey! Here she is after her lovely hygiene trim Cheeky Chops Pet Grooming. Nice and fresh for her birthday!

Daisy loves her groomer Cheeky Chops Pet Grooming ! Sarah’s daughter was getting her ears nicely fluffed for term 1 2026! A wondrous groomer in the making!

It’s a family business! Daisy adores children and was a perfect model for Bria to practice combing on! Bria has been a big help these holidays, from washing some dogs to playing with them, to calming them on the table, and cleaning! 🥰

Daisy has had a relaxing holiday and is happy to be our cuddly reading dog again if anyone needs make ups still left over from term 4.

QRR is currently closed so I can stock take and do Christmas shopping! The students’ flowers are blooming and the rescue chooks from “Who Gives a Cluck” are thriving and growing back their feathers. Dinky is keeping an eye on them and helping deter our pesky scrub turkey.
Fern and Daisy had their pre Christmas groom at “Cheeky Chops” dog groomers in Brassall and are working on getting themselves nice and doggy again for Christmas!
I will be starting assessments in January for two new readers. The younger you fix issues the better (ideally after Prep or grade 1). Let me know if you think your child would benefit from some reading instruction starting in 2026.
This will be my final year as I am hoping to commence clinical psychology in 2027. I love my reading teaching but will enjoy specialising further to help more children with their mental health as well as academic skills.
Who Gives A Cluck
Cheeky Chops Pet Grooming

Spring has sprung at QRR and the silkworms have eaten so much they have now changed into cocoons.
Term 4 invoices are now due and if you have not received one let me know. The earlybird term block discount is only available for invoices paid in advance at the start of term.
Any make up lessons from term 4 can be made up in the Summer holidays.
Have a great final week of the holidays!

With Sbegasaurus – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 9 months in a row. 🎉

Daisy and Fern got their ears trimmed at Cheeky Chops Dog Groomer! They will be so much fresher now ! Daisy is continuing as reading dog but Fern is too excitable currently she is only 2 and still has puppy energy. Daisy sits in a little chair next to us for reassurance and support. They say don’t work with kids or animals but I love both!