How Victorian Classrooms Are Shaping Young Readers

When we think about reading, it often feels like second nature. But remember the first time you held a book as a child? For some, it's cosy memories of bedtime stories or sitting cross-legged on a colourful classroom carpet, while for others, it may have been filled with struggles and frustration.

Reading is more than just recognising words. It’s the foundation for lifelong learning, communication, and daily life. That’s where the “Big Six” comes into play - a powerful framework designed to nurture strong, confident readers from the very start.

What Are the Big Six?

The Big Six focuses on six key areas of literacy development:

1. Phonemic Awareness – Recognising and working with sounds in spoken words.

2. Phonics – Connecting sounds with letters to read words.

3. Fluency – Reading smoothly with accuracy, expression, and understanding.

4. Vocabulary – Building a strong bank of words to enhance comprehension.

5. Comprehension – Understanding and interpreting what’s being read.

6. Oral Language – Developing speaking and listening skills that support literacy growth.

These elements form the building blocks of reading success, helping children not just to read but to love reading.

How Victorian Classrooms Bring the Big Six to Life

In Victorian schools, teachers are creatively weaving the Big Six into daily lessons:

• Phonemic Awareness & Phonics: Through fun rhyming games, letter-sound matching, and blending activities, kids learn to “hear” and build words.

• Vocabulary: Picture books, storytelling, and class discussions help children connect words with meanings, expanding their language naturally.

• Comprehension: Guided reading sessions encourage kids to ask questions, make predictions, and share their interpretations—turning reading into an adventure.

• Fluency: Regular opportunities to read aloud, both solo and in groups, help students gain confidence and smoothness in their reading.

• Oral Language: From show-and-tell to classroom debates, students engage in rich conversations that boost both their speaking and listening skills.

Why It Matters for Your Child

Research shows that early literacy skills set the stage for future academic success. The more children are exposed to meaningful conversations, stories, and reading experiences, the stronger their reading abilities will become.

As a parent, you play an essential role too. Reading with your child, having rich conversations, and encouraging their curiosity about words can make a world of difference. Even simple activities like rhyming games in the car or bedtime story discussions can reinforce these skills.

Challenges and Growth in Victorian Classrooms

While schools are making great strides, teaching and reading isn’t one-size-fits-all. Teachers face challenges like varying literacy levels among students and supporting those with learning difficulties. However, with dedicated educators, research-backed strategies, and support from families, Victorian classrooms are creating vibrant, literacy-rich environments where all children can flourish.

How You Can Support at Home

• Read Together Daily: Make it a joyful routine, not a chore.

• Talk About Books: Ask questions like, "What do you think will happen next?"

• Play Word Games: Rhyming, alphabet games, or even scavenger hunts with words.

• Be a Reading Role Model: Let your child see you enjoying books, magazines, or newspapers.

By working hand-in-hand with teachers, parents can help unlock the magic of reading for every child. The journey of literacy is an exciting one, and with the Big Six guiding the way, Victorian children are well on their path to becoming lifelong readers.

Happy reading!