‘Daily 12 Books’ 12-Month Literacy Program
The Daily 12 Books program is Foxdale Kindergarten’s signature literacy initiative, representing a sustained, systematic approach to building strong reading foundations and fostering a lifelong love of books and stories. This 12-month program ensures children are exposed to quality literature every single day, creating consistent literacy-rich experiences that research shows are critical for language development and future academic success.
What does is entail?
The program’s structure goes beyond simply reading aloud to children. It incorporates deliberate teaching strategies including vocabulary development, comprehension questioning, prediction skills, story sequencing, phonological awareness, and print concepts. By engaging with 12 books daily across the year, children are exposed to hundreds of stories, diverse genres, varied illustration styles, and rich language patterns that expand their understanding of how stories work.
Educators select books intentionally to align with curriculum themes, developmental stages, cultural celebrations, and children’s emerging interests. The repetition and routine of daily reading creates a comforting ritual while the variety ensures children encounter new ideas, characters, and vocabulary constantly. Books are read in both small group settings (allowing for deeper discussion and interaction) and whole group contexts (building community and shared literary experiences).
The literacy program also connects with the centre’s daily language of the month initiative, with some selections introducing children to stories from different cultures and languages. This comprehensive approach to literacy recognises that strong readers begin as children who have been immersed in language-rich environments where books are valued, enjoyed, and explored daily.
Parents receive recommendations for extending literacy learning at home, creating a partnership between the centre and families in nurturing each child’s literacy journey.
The menu is carefully planned to include a variety of food groups, incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and dairy products in age-appropriate portions. Meals are designed to be appealing to young palates while introducing children to diverse flavours and healthy eating habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.