Literacy

Literacy

Our English program at St Michael’s School is structured such that the elements of  Reading and Writing feature everyday in the classroom. Phonics and Spelling skills are regularly practised within the Reading hour. Oral Language is a focus throughout the English program. Aspects of the English curriculum are also taught within other learning areas, eg History, Geography, Science etc. 

Reading ~ Daily reading is essential for development in this area. Whilst daily reading occurs in the classroom, we also provide material for children to read at home each day. A variety of reading materials at all ability levels are available for students to borrow and this is recorded in the school diary.

Writing ~ Opportunities to write are sought each day. Explicit teaching occurs within the writing hour and students are supported to develop skills in small focus groups and through writing tasks with their peers. Grammar and sentence structure are key focus areas during this time.

Literacy intervention classes are provided to support students in developing their skills in small groups or sometimes with one-on-one support. 

Assessment in the area of Literacy is an ongoing process. Students are provided with feedback on classroom spelling, reading and writing tasks. More formal assessments are performed throughout the year to ascertain progress, plan for future learning and to report to parents.