Assistant Principal's report

Explicit Teaching at Kalinda

There has been recent media discussion about Explicit Teaching and what that means for students and teachers. I asked our Learning Specialist Natasha Weekes to help us outline what Explicit Teaching looks like at Kalinda and the benefits we see for your child. 

What is Explicit Teaching?

Explicit teaching is a structured approach where teachers clearly explain new concepts, model skills and thinking, provide guided practice, check for understanding and then support students to apply their learning independently.

Research consistently shows that students learn most effectively when new knowledge and skills are taught clearly and systematically. Explicit teaching helps ensure all students have access to high-quality instruction and are given the support they need to succeed.

What Explicit Teaching Looks Like at Kalinda

While digital slides are one tool teachers may use to support learning, students are not simply sitting and watching presentations. Our classrooms are highly interactive learning environments where students are constantly thinking, discussing, responding and demonstrating their understanding.

You might see students:

• Using mini whiteboards to answer questions and share their thinking.
• Discussing ideas with a partner before sharing with the class.
• Analysing texts and providing evidence for their opinions.
• Participating in class discussions and collaborative learning tasks.
• Applying new skills through independent and small-group activities.

Teachers regularly check for understanding throughout lessons, allowing them to adjust instruction and provide support when needed.

Consistency Across Classrooms

One of our key priorities has been increasing consistency across classrooms. This means students experience clear lesson structures, common instructional practices and high-quality teaching regardless of which classroom they are in.

This consistency helps students feel confident, know what is expected of them and focus their energy on learning.

Evidence-Based Literacy Programs

As part of this commitment, Kalinda has introduced evidence-based literacy approaches across the school.

Prep to Year 2 – Decodable Readers Australia (DRA)

Students in Prep to Year 2 learn to read, write and spell through a structured literacy approach using Decodable Readers Australia (DRA). Lessons explicitly teach the relationship between sounds and letters, allowing students to apply this knowledge when reading, spelling and writing.

Carefully sequenced decodable texts provide opportunities for students to practise the skills they have been taught, helping them build accuracy, fluency and confidence. By connecting reading, writing and spelling instruction, students develop strong literacy foundations that support success across all areas of learning.

Years 3 to 6 – Word Origins and Text-Based Literature Study

In Years 3–6, students participate in Word Origins lessons, where they learn about prefixes, suffixes and Greek and Latin roots. Understanding how words are constructed strengthens spelling, vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing.

Students also engage in rich literature studies using high-quality novels and mentor texts. Where possible, families are asked to provide a copy of the class novel so that each student can actively engage with the text throughout the unit. Having their own copy allows students to follow along during reading sessions, revisit important sections, locate evidence, make notes and participate more deeply in class discussions and writing tasks.

Through these text-based units, students develop vocabulary, comprehension, critical thinking and writing skills while exploring engaging literature. Shared class novels provide a common learning experience and create opportunities for rich discussion, analysis and a deeper appreciation of reading.

The Benefits We Are Seeing

Through our focus on explicit teaching, evidence-based programs and consistent instructional practices, we are seeing:

• Stronger literacy foundations across year levels.
• Improved vocabulary and spelling knowledge.
• Greater student engagement and participation.
• Increased confidence in reading, writing and discussion.
• Consistent learning experiences across classrooms.

• Improved ability for teachers to identify and support students who require additional assistance.

   

Our goal is simple: to provide every student with the knowledge, skills and support they need to be successful learners. By combining explicit teaching with active participation, discussion and rich learning experiences, we are helping students build strong foundations for future learning.

Natasha Weekes, Learning Specialist

We are kind. We are resilient. We are respectful.