This term, our Year 7 and Year

8 students have been strengthening both their literacy and science skills through cloze reading activities. Cloze reading involves filling in missing words from a passage, encouraging students to use context clues, scientific vocabulary, and critical thinking to make sense of the text.

In science lessons, students have tackled topics such as ecosystems and cell structures using this strategy. The approach has helped them slow down, reread, and focus on key terms and concepts while building confidence in their subject-specific language.

Teachers have noticed that cloze reading not only improves comprehension but also sparks lively discussion as students justify their word choices. This balance of literacy and science is giving students a stronger foundation for success across all learning areas.

Families can support this learning at home by encouraging regular reading, whether it’s a novel, an online article, or even a science magazine. Talking about tricky words together, asking questions about meaning, or simply setting aside 10 minutes of quiet reading time each day can make a big difference.

If you would like to know more about cloze reading or tips on how to help your young person at home, please contact Christie Gumley at christie.gumley@decyp.tas.gov.au