Take a phonics-based approach for early literacy learning
Phonetic-based reading breaks written language down into small and simple components. Children connect letter sounds and letter symbols. Synthetic phonics instruction focuses on teaching the individual sounds in a structured and systematic way.
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Identify what students can do
Identify what students can do
Tom Nicholson explains how using the alien words test (Appendix A.9a: Decoding and A.9b pp 50–53) enables you to identify exactly which sounds a learner can decode and provides a place to begin teaching from.
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Develop phonological awareness
Develop phonological awareness
Plan to develop phonological awareness at the point the student can detect similarities in sounds between or within words. This may be at the level of the whole word, syllable, rhyme, onset and rime, or individual phonemes.
Read About dyslexia – Supporting literacy in the classroom pp 49–65.
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Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Plan a structured programme
Plan a structured programme
Provide a structured sequence of phonic patterns that is cumulative.
Sounds and Words, an online resource developed by the Ministry of Education, provides support in four areas:
Integrate phonics
Integrate phonics
When phonics instruction is linked to children’s reading and writing, they are more likely to become strategic and independent in their use of phonics than when phonics instruction is drilled and practised in isolation.
International Reading Association
Take a multi-sensory approach
Take a multi-sensory approach
Provide lots of practice by having students hear and say the sounds (not the letter names) while they see or make them to help conscious organisation and retention of learning.
8 Multisensory techniques for teaching reading gives practical examples.
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Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Useful resources
Useful resources
Sound Sense: Supporting reading and writing in years 1-3
Read time: 35 min
Publisher: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Download PDF
Writing for impact: Teaching students how to write with a plan and spell well
Publisher: NZCER Press
Price: One off charge NZ$90.00
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Support early literacy development through a structured literacy approach”:
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Current page Take a phonics-based approach
Return to the guide “Dyslexia and learning”
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Dyslexia and learning
Understand:
- Understanding dyslexia
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Understanding dyslexia and literacy acquisitionShow suggestions for Understanding dyslexia and literacy acquisition
Strategies for action:
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Develop a schoolwide approachShow suggestions for Develop a schoolwide approach
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Identify student needs and how to provide supportShow suggestions for Identify student needs and how to provide support
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Support early literacy development through a structured literacy approachShow suggestions for Support early literacy development through a structured literacy approach
- Early identification
- Use classroom assessments
- Take a phonics-based approach
- Build reading skills
- Teach spelling skills
- Support writing skills
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Helpful classroom strategies in years 1–8Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies in years 1–8
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Helpful classroom strategies in years 9–13Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies in years 9–13
