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Monkeying around with literacy

Foundation student Natania Daperoc with Milo the monkey. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Foundation students at St George's Road Primary School celebrated their literacy achievements with a special birthday party for their learning companion, Milo the Monkey, on Friday, June 27.

The celebration marked the students' progress in the Little Learners Love Literacy program, where Milo plays a crucial role in teaching phonics and helping children understand how letters form words.

“Milo's story uses simple sentences made up of sounds the children have already learned, helping them practise blending and decoding in a fun, confidence-building way,” said St George's Road Primary School librarian Margaret Stothart.

Students dressed up in animal costumes for the occasion and participated in various party activities, including crafts and cooking.

The character-based learning approach has proven successful in keeping young students engaged, with Milo becoming a beloved figure in the classroom.

The birthday celebration served as both a reward for the students' hard work and a demonstration that learning can be enjoyable and meaningful.

Foundation student Lucas Bayoca dressed as the St Georges dragon. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Foundation students Arthur Phung and Samuel Zirimwabagabo, enjoying some fairybread. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Foundation students Maisie Taylor and Kawther Radhi. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Far back: Staff Daniel Hall, Chelsea Salmon, Emily Dainton and Olivia Higgins.Back: Foundation students Ella Alkhayyat, Yasnaa Amiri, Yosef Dava, Mercy Fariji, Mozhdah Heidari, Emilia Mirafuentes, Ella Pickering, Kawther Radhi, Kyis Ritchie and Aki Wilkie.Middle: Foundation students Esther Reuben, Querene Mukamba, Arthur Phung, Maisie Taylor, Samuel Zirimwabagabo, Sajad Al Musawi and Eileen Alkhameesi.Front: Foundation students Hayat Amit, Lucas Bayoca, Natania Daperoc, Mahdi Jafari, Amara McLeod and Talha Mohammed. Photo by Rechelle Zammit