Literacy Foundations
Children are born with a deep desire to relate and understand the world. In this search to connect and understand, children find themselves fascinated with literacies around them. Speaking, listening, reading and writing represent powerful literacies by which we all find meaning and voice.
We approach literacy learning with two strong objectives. Firstly, to equip children to confidently work with the codes themselves – able to represent and decode letters, sounds, words and language with developing sophistication. Secondly, we want to always position literacy learning experiences in meaningful contexts that highlight the purpose of reading, writing, speaking and listening.
For example, writing for a real purpose and equipped with the skills to do so, motivates children to want to write. In this way, our literacy program positions the building of skills and writing for a purpose, as equally important. Whenever possible children are invited to access literacy in authentic situations, as a powerful tool for communicating, connecting and collaborating with others.
In relation to skill development we use a rigorous and systematic approach to the teaching of phonics. Letters and letter combinations are introduced in relation to the sounds they represent and children are given explicit instructions about how letters work together to make sounds and words. Editing strategies and grammatical rules are introduced from Kindergarten, supporting children to be able to work with words in more and more sophisticated ways.
We make reading one-to-one with every child a top priority at Highfields. Every child in K-2 has multiple opportunities each week to read out loud to an adult. We find this an invaluable investment of our time in the way it supports children’s growing skills and promotes close and positive connections between the teachers and children. Every child is on their own trajectory with reading and regular assessments ensure the books children are reading at school and at home are just right for their stage of skill and interest.