Welcome to Literacy in 

Term 4

Explicit Direct Instruction in Literacy. 

In Term 4, we are looking forward to embedding, refining and strengthening our Literacy practices.

Our focus will be on:

• FULL explicit teaching using Impact Curriculum -Ochre resources
• Strengthening our P–6 Literacy structure and consistency
• Embedding EDI ( Explicit Direct Instruction) Engagement Norms and OTRs (Opportunites to Respond)
• Ensuring students are doing the learning and actively participating
• Using short-cycle assessment and timely feedback to respond to student learning
• Strengthening teacher practice through modelling, guided practice and gradual release

• Using assessment information to support, challenge and accelerate student learning.

   

 We are building classrooms where we see and hear explicit teaching, active student participation, purposeful practice and a shared belief that every student can learn and grow, in order to surprise themselves with what they are capable of!

We are building a consistent Literacy structure from Prep–6, with a shared understanding of what effective literacy teaching looks and sounds like across every classroom. Our structure focuses on explicit teaching, modelling, guided practice, independent application, assessment and timely feedback. Every day, we are repeatedly covering areas of:

Year P-2

• Foundational Literacy Skills: Systematic synthetic phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, and handwriting.
• Extended Daily Review: Fast-paced review of vocabulary, sentence-level writing, and text comprehension.
• Shared Read-Aloud & Comprehension: Explicit questioning and text analysis.
• Explicit Vocabulary Instruction: Targeted vocabulary development.
• Understanding, Responding to & Creating Texts: Text-level analysis and composition.
• Writing Instruction:
  • Sentence-Level Writing: Grammar, mechanics, and punctuation.
  • Paragraph- & Text-Level Writing: Cohesive structure, paragraphing, and text generation.

Years 3-6 

• Daily Review: A fast-paced, daily retrieval session designed to consolidate prior knowledge and build long-term retention of core literacy skills.
• Spelling & Orthography (encompassing morphology, etymology, and phonology): Explicit instruction on how words are structured, sound, and derived to enhance word recognition and spelling precision.
• Vocabulary: Targeted teaching of high-frequency and academic words to broaden students' oral and written language capabilities.
• Grammar: Focused exploration of sentence mechanics, word functions, and syntax rules to ensure clarity in expression.
• Handwriting: Structured practice to develop comfortable, fluent, and legible handwriting for efficient written communication.
• Language and Literacy Block: Dedicated instructional time aimed at building foundational language mechanics, word knowledge, and reading execution.
• Reading Fluency: Guided practice in accurate, automatic, and expressive reading to support overall reading comprehension.
• Literature Studies Block: Immersive study of rich texts designed to deepen critical comprehension, literary appreciation, and compositional skills.
• Text-Level Reading: Deep engagement with full-length texts to analyze structure, themes, and complex ideas in context.
• Sentence-Level Writing: Explicit practice in constructing clear, varied, and syntactically correct sentences as the building blocks of strong writing.
• Text-Level Writing: Guided composition of complete, well-structured paragraphs and extended texts across various genres.

Across Prep–6, teachers use statewide-selected mentor texts and Impact Curriculum (Ochre) resources to support consistent, explicit teaching of literacy. These high-quality texts provide rich models for vocabulary, comprehension, writing and language conventions.

Foundation: 

Focused on imaginative and Informative Texts for Reading and Writing

Year One:

Focused on Imaginative and Persuasive Texts for Reading and Writing

Year Two:

Focused on Imaginative and Persuasive Texts for Reading and Writing

Year 3:

Focused on Persuasive Text for Reading and Writing.

Year 3 Reading – The One and Only Ivan

This term, our Year 3 students have enjoyed reading The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. Through Ivan’s touching story, students have explored themes of friendship, courage, compassion and hope. Rich class discussions have encouraged students to think deeply about the experiences and perspectives of others, while developing their comprehension, vocabulary and appreciation of literature.

Year 4: 

Focused on Narrative Text for Reading and Writing.

Year 4 Reading – His Name Was Walter

This term, our Year 4 students have been captivated by His Name Was Walter by Emily Rodda. As they have followed the mystery and uncovered Walter’s story, students have explored themes of friendship, courage, belonging and the importance of understanding the past. Through rich discussions and thoughtful responses, students have strengthened their comprehension skills while developing a deeper appreciation for the power of stories.

Year 5: 

Focused on Persuasive Text for Reading and Writing.

Year 5 Reading – The Last Bear

This term, our Year 5 students will be captivated by The Last Bear by Hannah Gold, a powerful and beautifully written story about friendship, courage and the importance of caring for our world. Through April’s journey to Bear Island and her unexpected friendship with a polar bear, students will explore themes of belonging, compassion, resilience and environmental responsibility.

Year 6: 

Focused on Narrative Text for Reading and Writing.

Year 6 Reading – Nevermoore: TThe Trials of Morrigan Crow.

This term, our Year 6 students will embark on an exciting literary adventure with Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend. They will follow Morrigan Crow as she discovers a mysterious world filled with magic, friendship, challenges and unexpected possibilities.

Through this novel, students will explore themes of belonging, courage, resilience, friendship and believing in yourself. As they journey alongside Morrigan, students will engage in rich discussions, make connections, explore character development and deepen their understanding of vocabulary, language and storytelling.

1. Talk About Class Learning Daily

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking "How was school?", try asking "What was the most interesting idea you discussed today?" or "What did you practice in writing today?"
• Connect Learning to Life: Relate classroom topics, themes, or historical events to everyday conversations, family experiences, or current events.

2. Read, Read, and Read Again

• Read Together Every Day: Set aside 10–15 minutes daily for shared reading, listening to audiobooks, or independent reading.
• Re-Read Favourite Texts: Re-reading familiar books builds reading fluency, confidence, and deeper comprehension.

Looking  forward to a great term of learning and growth!

Maria Tasevski

Your Literacy Leader.