Literacy and Numeracy Week

Key Events and Activities

This year National Literacy and Numeracy Week (NLNW) will be held from 1-7 September 2008. NLNW highlights the importance of parents, teachers and members of the community combining to support young people in developing strong literacy and numeracy skills.  

All schools in Victoria are encouraged to get involved in the NLNW events and activities for 2008.  

For more information on what's happening during NLNW, see:

Victorian Activities

Victoria will host two key events for schools during National Literacy and Numeracy Week – a Statewide Games Day and an Inaugural 24 Maths Challenge. See below for further information about these events.

All schools in Victoria are encouraged to get involved in NLNW events and activities for 2008.  Schools can hold book parades, math nights, parent information sessions and any other activities that highlight the critical role they play in developing the literacy and numeracy skills of their students.

See the regional listings below for activities being run in your local area.

For further information about participating in National Literacy and Numeracy Week, schools can contact their Regional/Sector Officer.

Statewide Games Day

On Monday, 1 September 2008, a Statewide Games Day will be held to launch National Literacy and Numeracy Week in Victoria.

To participate, schools are encouraged to involve students in games or other activities that engage their literacy and numeracy skills – including poster-size Scrabble games being delivered to every Victorian school in early Term 3.

This year marks Scrabble’s 60th Anniversary and to celebrate, schools that registered their games day – or other National Literacy and Numeracy Week activities - will be entered into a draw for one of two $250 Mattel prize packs and four 60th Anniversary Scrabble Special Editions.

To promote your school's activities on this website – complete the registration form (Word - 70Kb).

Download a copy of the game rules (PDF - 599Kb) and scoring instructions for Scrabble.

Queries or requests for further copies of the Scrabble posters can be directed to literacy.and.numeracy@edumail.vic.gov.au or phone: (03) 9637 2869.

 

24 Challenge Maths Tournaments - pilot in Metropolitan Regions

Year 3 to 8 students in schools across metropolitan Melbourne will be the first to take part in the Inaugural 24 Challenge – an exciting maths tournament being piloted this year during National Literacy and Numeracy Week.

Suitable for all skill levels, the key to this clever, yet simple game is that the answer is always 24 - how you get to 24 is the Challenge!

In early Term 3, all primary and secondary schools across metropolitan Melbourne will receive a free 24 Game trial pack and tournament registration information.

Schools are encouraged to play the 24 Game throughout Term 3 and then register up to four students to participate in an inter-school tournament in their region.

Registration is free, however spaces are limited so be sure to register early.

Tournament dates are as follows:

  • Tuesday 2 September

       Western and Northern Metropolitan Region – Scienceworks, Spotswood  

  •  Wednesday 3 September 

       Eastern Metropolitan Region - Monash University

  •  Thursday 4 September 

       Southern Metropolitan Region - Monash University


For further information about the Inaugural 24 Challenge:

Visit                www.24game.com.au

Email:             24game@brainydays.com.au

Phone:           (03) 9801 9000

Funding for activities

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria and the Association of Independent Schools of Victoria provide grants to fund literacy and numeracy activities in government and non-government schools.

Grants can support school and community activities such as professional development, and whole school, classroom and year level activities. 

For further information on funding arrangements, contact the Literacy Team Leader in your Region or sector.

National Activities

In 2008, a number of national events will take place during NLNW.

National Reading Day

National Reading Day is a mass participation literacy event for primary and secondary school students.  Schools are encouraged to select their own texts and to become involved in activities in which they share their reading.

National Reading Day is developed and managed by the Australian Association for the Teaching of English (AATE) and the Australian Literacy Educators' Association (ALEA).

Schools can register online for National Reading Day (http://nationalreadingday.nlnw.edu.au/)

Reach for the Stars

Reach for the Stars is an Australia-wide activity for pre-school to junior secondary students. It has been conducted by the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (AAMT) as part of National Literacy and Numeracy Week since 2003. 

The activity provides an opportunity for students across Australia to get involved in a numeracy event for NLNW 2008.

Schools can register online for Reach for the Stars (http://reachforthestars.nlnw.edu.au/)

Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards

The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards is the biggest national poetry competition for school-aged students in Australia. The Awards provide an opportunity for students to discover poetry, express themselves creatively and improve literacy skills.

The Awards are divided into primary and secondary categories. There is an award for the school whose entries demonstrate a high overall standard as well as an award for students requiring learning assistance or special education.  Advice on poetry writing, classroom notes for teachers and winning poems from previous years are available from the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards website (http://www.dorothea.com.au/)

Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Letterlink

Australia Post will again run its popular Letterlink program, which encourages school children to write letters of support and encouragement to our Australian athletes during the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Students who participate in the Australia Post Letterlink have the chance to win a fantastic prize.  Information on how to get your school involved in the Letterlink program is available on the website for Australia Post (http://www.auspost.com.au/letterlink/)


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