Literacy

SMART Spelling

Say

Mean

Analyse

Remember

Teach

The SMART Spelling program has been used at St. Raphael's since 2019. It is a systematic approach to teaching children the fundamentals of spelling in the English language. 

In Years 1-6 teachers explicitly teach the focus graph/digraph/trigraph or spelling rule every Monday. Students are then given the task of choosing spelling words to learn for the week. They are given the opportunity to learn their chosen words both at school and at home. It is important for the students to SAY the word and WRITE the word for it to be processed within their long term memory. Students then complete a partner test and dictation on Friday where they mark their own work upon completion. This gives the students instant feedback on their learning, and are also given the opportunity to correct any errors.

In Foundation, students are introduced to letters and their sounds through the SMART Spelling program. Their learning is supported by a word of the week and sentence of the week. Foundation students also complete nightly home spelling tasks to consolidate what it being taught in their homerooms, and they too complete a Friday dictation. 

Our spelling program offers our students consistency across each year level. It allows students to learn and revise and build on their vocabulary knowledge each year.

What Can Parents Do At Home?

• Encourage your child to share their new focus each Monday.
• Remind your child to SAY the word and then WRITE the word when completing their home spelling tasks.
• Revise the spelling words with your child to help prepare them for their Friday activities.

Write4Fun

The 2022 National Treasures School Writing Competition is now open!

Write4Fun is a competition for students to showcase their creative flare and share their imagination with others. There is no writing theme for entries, they can be on any topic and in any style/text type. If you would like further information or like to enter please see flyer below.