Literacy Instruction 

Understanding Literacy Learning in the Early Years 

Following the Parent Information Sessions about the new Literacy instruction approach through a program called InitiaLit, a number of valuable ‘wonderings’ were shared. We will continue to share these ‘wonderings’ and frequently asked questions through this segment of the inewsletter.

If this program is easier to monitor and assess student’s abilities. How is this going to be communicated promptly to parents? 

 Families have always been encouraged to make a time with the teachers at any stage of the year to discuss any matters regarding their child’s learning and wellbeing. In contributing to a successful, respectful and trusting learning partnership families can communicate with teachers through: 

- Face to face meetings 

- Emails

- Phone calls 

- Written notes 

- Learner Goal setting Conferences (Term 1 and Term 3)

- Written Student Reports (Term 2 and Term 4)

Given the effort and time devoted to such activities, it is unrealistic to expect a classroom teacher with up to 26 students to communicate “promptly” assessment findings without detailed analysis and team collaboration. We ask families to trust our professional judgements on student assessments, and that they occur on a regular basis in many ways through feedback, observations and formal assessments. As students are owners of their own learning, involving them in assessment practices can produce extraordinary improvements in their achievement.  Self-assessment, independent setting of goals and acting upon feedback within a sound, research-based pedagogical framework is proven to up to double achievement over a year of learning. 

At times, student progress may seem slow and we ask families to trust our professional judgments and that the teacher will communicate with you on a needs basis. 

The purposes of the recent Goal Setting Conferences are: joint reflection on the student’s approaches to learning so far, analysis of the impact of this on his/her learning; and the collaborative setting of (next steps) goals between the student, family and teacher/s. 

The purpose of these conferences is not to focus on negative behaviours but rather future thinking - “What WILL support this student to learn at his/her best?”

Students, family members and teachers:

- Reflect upon strengths and progress regarding the student’s approaches to learning

- Identify areas for growth to improve learning outcomes

- Determine goals for next steps 

- Discuss strategies to ensure goals are met.

The process of goal setting continues throughout the year in reading and your child will be able to communicate this goal with you and will welcome your support. 

If you have any questions about the approach to literacy learning through the InitiaLit program please contact the teacher responsible for your child or Rosemary Saxon, Assistant Principal R-7.

 rosemary.mcleansaxon475@schools.sa.edu.au