Book Week is a celebration of stories, imagination and creativity, but helping children love reading isn't just something that happens during one week of the year. The good news? It doesn't take expensive resources or hours of extra time. Often, it's the small, recurring habits that make the biggest difference.
1. Let them see you read
Children are more likely to value reading when they see the adults around them enjoying it too. Whether it's a novel, magazine, recipe or newspaper, showing that reading is part of everyday life helps build positive attitudes towards books.
2. Read together, even after they've learnt to read
Many parents stop reading aloud once their child becomes an independent reader, but shared reading continues to support vocabulary, comprehension and a love of storytelling well into the primary years. It also creates moments to connect and talk about ideas.
3. Give children the freedom to choose
Not every child will be drawn to classic novels, and that's okay! Graphic novels, comics, fact books and magazines all count. When children can explore topics they're genuinely interested in, reading becomes something they want to do rather than something they have to do.
4. Make reading part of everyday life
Ten or fifteen minutes before bed or reading together after school helps establish reading as a regular habit. Consistency matters more than long sessions.
5. Talk about stories
Asking simple questions like "What surprised you?" or "Who was your favourite character?" encourages children to think more deeply about what they've read. These conversations also help develop confidence and comprehension.
6. Celebrate curiosity, not perfection
Children don't need to finish every book they start or read at the same level as their peers. The goal is to nurture confidence and enjoyment. When reading feels positive, children are more likely to keep coming back to it.
Wondering how schools help children become confident readers?
At Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD), engaging literacy experiences, dedicated teachers and well-resourced libraries help students build the skills and confidence to thrive as readers and learners.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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17 Aug 2026
From Facebook
📚 Book Week Author Visit | Jodie McLeod On Monday 24th August, we are excited to welcome award-winning Blue Mountains children’s author Jodie McLeod to Bethany to talk with our students about her books and creative writing! Jodie’s beautifully written picture books, illustrated by Eloise Short, celebrate the birds, nature and landscapes of the Blue Mountains. Copies are available to view in our Library and Book Week window display. 📖 Purchase a personalised signed copy Families can purchase any of Jodie’s books for the special school price of $25 (RRP around $30) through her Etsy store. When checking out, please apply both coupon codes: SCHOOL – to receive the school discount LOCAL – to waive postage fees Jodie will bring all ordered books to Bethany when she visits. If you would like a personalised message in your book, simply add a note when ordering with your child’s name, class and school. Find out more about Jodie and her books: www.jodiemcleod.com/books https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/JodieMcLeodWriter
08 Aug 2026
From Facebook
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop (1842–1909) Today we celebrate the feast of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. In 1866, Mary began the first Catholic school in Penola in a renovated stable. She went on to start the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, who opened many schools, orphanages and charitable institutions throughout Australia, continuing their mission of serving those most in need.Mary MacKillop was canonised as Australia’s first saint in 2010. Throughout her life, Mary offered words of wisdom that continue to inspire us today: “Never see a need without doing something about it.” “We are but travellers here.” Today, we celebrate Mary’s holy life, her courage and her enduring legacy. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop – Pray for us.
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20 Aug 2026
Six Habits That Help Children Develop a Love of Reading
Book Week is a celebration of stories, imagination and creativity, but helping children love reading isn't just something that happens during one week of the year. The good news? It doesn't take expensive resources or hours of extra time. Often, it's the small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference.
17 Aug 2026
From Facebook
📚 Book Week Author Visit | Jodie McLeod On Monday 24th August, we are excited to welcome award-winning Blue Mountains children’s author Jodie McLeod to Bethany to talk with our students about her books and creative writing! Jodie’s beautifully written picture books, illustrated by Eloise Short, celebrate the birds, nature and landscapes of the Blue Mountains. Copies are available to view in our Library and Book Week window display. 📖 Purchase a personalised signed copy Families can purchase any of Jodie’s books for the special school price of $25 (RRP around $30) through her Etsy store. When checking out, please apply both coupon codes: SCHOOL – to receive the school discount LOCAL – to waive postage fees Jodie will bring all ordered books to Bethany when she visits. If you would like a personalised message in your book, simply add a note when ordering with your child’s name, class and school. Find out more about Jodie and her books: www.jodiemcleod.com/books https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/JodieMcLeodWriter
08 Aug 2026
From Facebook
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop (1842–1909) Today we celebrate the feast of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. In 1866, Mary began the first Catholic school in Penola in a renovated stable. She went on to start the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, who opened many schools, orphanages and charitable institutions throughout Australia, continuing their mission of serving those most in need.Mary MacKillop was canonised as Australia’s first saint in 2010. Throughout her life, Mary offered words of wisdom that continue to inspire us today: “Never see a need without doing something about it.” “We are but travellers here.” Today, we celebrate Mary’s holy life, her courage and her enduring legacy. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop – Pray for us.
24 Jul 2026
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Our annual Book Fair is in full swing at Bethany! 📚 It's open for parents before and after school on Monday so come on in and check it out with your child (they may have had a sneak peak already)! 😝
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CSPD students recognised in Refugee Week Creative Competition
Over 125 students from 10 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools have been recognised for their empathy and powerful storytelling as part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia Refugee Week Creative Competition.
07 Jul 2026
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👏 Congratulations to our Effort in Learning award recipients for Term 2, Week 10! We are proud of the dedication and persistence these students have shown in their learning.🌟
01 Jul 2026
From Facebook
💛 Our little helpers have been busy showing big hearts! As part of their Religion unit, our Kindergarten students have been learning that a neighbour is anyone in need of our love, kindness and care. They put this learning into action by creating hampers for Mama Lana’s, helping support families in our local community.
26 Jun 2026
From Facebook
📚✨ Every day across Bethany, our students take part in dedicated reading fluency sessions, building their accuracy, expression, pace and understanding. It’s wonderful to see our young readers growing in confidence and developing the skills they need to become successful, lifelong readers. We are so proud of their daily effort and progress! 💙📖
25 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Pyjamas, slippers and plenty of smiles! 😴🧸💙 Last week, our students and staff swapped their uniforms for their comfiest pyjamas to support the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Thank you to our families for your generosity in helping those in need this winter. ❄️🧦🧣❤️
24 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Last week, while Years 2–6 were enjoying the Athletics Carnival, our Kindergarten and Year 1 students enjoyed a special Teddy Bear Picnic! 🧸☀️🌿 Students brought along their favourite teddy bears and shared a wonderful morning filled with fun, friendship and smiles. 🥪🧃💛🧸 What a lovely way to spend the day! 😊✨