We believe that effective teaching and learning of Literacy is:
Literacy learning happening through play and inquiry learning
Literacy learning is meaningful, purposeful and relevant to children’s lives, interests and prior knowledge
Family partnerships being integral to the learning of literacy
Oral language is the foundation for all literacy skills - ‘reading and writing floats on a sea of talk’
Differentiation of literacy learning for students
Igniting a passion for reading and writing and literacy skills
Explicitly and intentionally taught and we release responsibility and provide a sense of agency in students as they develop their independence and confidence.
In our school you will see:
Teachers and children sharing quality literature, noticing what experts do
Children having time to practise their literacy skills daily
Children having both personal and directed choice in their reading and writing learning
Children having time to write, a purpose to write, an audience to write for and a response to their writing
Class libraries comprised of quality fiction and non-fiction books and resources selected by children and teachers for independent, shared and modelled literacy learning
Visuals to build vocabulary and literacy skills
Teachers planning reading and writing workshops ensuring elements of teacher modelling, mini-lessons, small group guided lessons, independent reading and writing, and conferencing
Children conferencing daily with teachers, receiving targeted feedback aligned with each child’s reading and writing goals
Explicit teaching of all aspects of oral language, reading and writing and spelling processes connected to purposeful reading and writing experiences
Teachers documenting what they learn about students and using formative assessment strategies
Teachers listening, asking questions and promoting higher order thinking to stimulate and extend children’s talk and thinking
Children’s interests being reflected in the classroom
Happy and engaged learners of literacy
So that…
Children become confident, imaginative and critical thinkers, communicators, readers and writers.
Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, confidence, creativity, persistence, inquiry and experimentation.
Children develop a sense of agency and authorship to evoke feelings, convey information, form ideas, facilitate interactions with others, entertain and persuade.
