This year the Junior School has implemented the Yolanda Soryl phonics programme. We have decided to cross-group our students so we have a range of stages being taught and students can work at a level appropriate for them. The leadership team has been terrific at supporting our need to timetable this slot in and keep it regular. We also have the support of two fantastic teacher aides so we can have smaller groups.
Currently we have two stage 1 & 2 groups, one stage 2 group (who we think will move soon to stage 3), a stage 4 group and a stage 5 group. It is early days yet, but I believe it is working well.
I have felt for some time that regular time spent teaching specific phonics reading and writing skills has great benefits. My two big challenges were not consistently keeping it in my day and students being at different levels. This scheduled time has fixed both of those challenges.
I am very grateful that the new Junior School team has embraced this programme. It is also terrific to have our two experienced teacher aides use their knowledge and skills to lead their own groups.
Some of the websites that I visited last year concerning phonics:
Better Start to Literacy approach - After reading articles about Gail Gillon's phonological programme for students in Christchurch.
Many articles have drawn my attention regarding phonics from New Zealand and Australia.
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