English

Literacy learning in Term 1 will focus on phonics. This phonological understanding will be the foundation of the children’s literacy development and they will enjoy a range of hands-on, multi-sensory activities to support their learning. When listening, reading and viewing, students will engage with a range of different types of books, including simple decodable and authentic texts. These texts are supportive and students will begin to use their developing phonemic knowledge to read words and learn to decode. In writing, students will be encouraged to 'have a go' at recording letters and sounds and begin writing simple recounts of their experiences. They will be involved in formal handwriting sessions to assist them with formi their letters correctly. 

Literacy assessments have begun and are going well. The assessments will continue on Wednesdays for the first 6 weeks of Term 1. There will be no school for the Foundation students on these Wednesdays. Decodable take home readers will begin shortly once reading assessments have been completed.

Students will have the opportunity to utilise the Nessy Reading & Spelling Platform. Nessy is an online program developed by a team specialist teachers and psychologists. Up to 100 Independent learning lessons spread over 10 islands. Each island consists of a series of lessons composed of strategy videos, reinforced with games and worksheets, which teach fundamental reading and spelling skills. Lessons emphasise phonemic awareness, phonics, blending, sight words, fluency, spelling, vocabulary and comprehension. Students will have access to this platform at school and at home. Please have a look at www.nessy.com if you would like to find out more about the program. Logins will be sent home in the coming weeks.