In the first 10 minutes of every school day at Kin Kora State School, students dive straight into the rhythm of learning. Their daily review—a fast-paced session of thinking, talking, and revisiting what they've already learned—sets the tone for a school-wide approach reshaping how reading is taught and understood.
'It's become a really nice way to begin the day,' says Head of Curriculum Erin Morgan.
'They’re not just sitting and listening. They’re retrieving information, responding, and starting the day on the front foot.'
Kin Kora State School Principal Jorgen Neilson also says it's a moment that helps students feel settled and supported, no matter how their day began.
'A successful start lays the foundation for a successful day,' he says.
'The daily review is more than just a teaching routine—it's a welcoming, low-pressure way for students to reconnect and see themselves as capable learners from the very start. It fosters a sense of belonging and helps them ease into the rhythm of learning.'
This morning routine is part of a much bigger shift in how reading is taught across the school. A few years ago, Kin Kora decided to rethink its approach to delivering literacy. While great teaching was happening, there wasn't a consistent approach.
'We had amazing educators doing their best, but everyone was doing something slightly different,' says Erin.
'We needed a way to bring it all together to ensure every child, in every classroom, had access to the same quality of instruction.'
So, the school introduced a whole-school literacy model, where every teacher delivers a structured literacy block tailored to their year level. This approach ensures that every child receives the same high-quality instruction regardless of their background or starting point.
A structured approach with real impact
Students participate in the dedicated literacy block daily, consisting of 9 essential elements—from phonics and vocabulary to comprehension and writing. It begins with what the school calls the hour of power, a focused session from 9 to 10am that lays the foundation for the day's learning.
'These aren’t just boxes to tick,' says Erin.
'It's a clear structure that reduces cognitive load and helps students build confidence, step by step.'
Teachers use high-impact strategies like whiteboard check-ins, 'turn and talk' discussions, paired fluency reading, and explicit modelling. Because the approach is consistent across the school, students know what to expect, and that predictability has made a difference.
'We've seen a real drop in behaviour issues during the morning sessions,' says Erin.
'When kids know what's coming, they feel more secure and engaged.'
The hour of power is also when school leaders are most visible. They're in classrooms, modelling lessons, supporting staff and working alongside teachers.
'We’ve really redefined what leadership looks like,' says Erin.
'It's not about waiting for the data to come in, it's about being present, coaching in real time, and sharing the learning journey.'
Meeting the needs of every student
Consistent instruction and regular formative assessments, helps teachers to identify needs and tailor support for students.
In each year level, a co-teacher works with small groups of learners who may benefit from additional time and support to focus on growth in identified areas. Teacher aides are also trained to deliver short, targeted lessons for students requiring extra assistance.
'It's a really responsive model,' says Erin.
'We're not waiting to see who struggles. We're using data early, supporting kids quickly and ensuring no one slips through the cracks.'
Parents are a key part of the school's success story. From regular Facebook videos to practical at-home reading tips, Kin Kora is working hard to make literacy learning visible and accessible.
Receiving personalised updates on their child's progress, along with simple suggestions for improving decoding, fluency, and vocabulary, help parents support their child's reading development at home. 'We're trying to take the fluff and the waffle out of it,' says Erin.
'We want parents to understand what their child can do and what they need next, without the guesswork.'
Building a confident school community
While Kin Kora is proud of its improving data, Erin says the most powerful change is in the classroom culture.
'Our students are using richer vocabulary. They're more confident, more fluent, and proud of what they know,' she says.
'It's not just about results. It’s about building strong, capable communicators.'
Other schools are now taking notice. Kin Kora regularly hosts teachers from across Central Queensland and has created a statewide literacy leader hub with more than 250 educators.
'We don't pretend to have all the answers,' says Erin.
But we’re all working toward the same goal of ensuring every child learns to read well. If we can help others on that journey, we’re happy to share what’s working.'