Structured Literacy at Mangaroa School

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At the heart of what we do and why we do it is the knowledge and understanding of the 6 components that must be included in a Structured Literacy Approach; Phonology, Sound to Symbol and Symbol to Sound, Syllable types, Morphology, Syntax and Semantics as well as knowing how to implement them using the 3 principles of a Structured Literacy Approach; Systematic and Cumulative, Explicit, and Diagnostic. 

The three evidence-based teaching principles on how to teach all the six components or elements are: 

Systematic and cumulative

Structured Literacy teaching is systematic and cumulative. Systematic means that the organisation of material follows the logical order of language. The sequence begins with the easiest and most basic concepts and elements and progresses methodically to the more difficult. Cumulative means each step is based on concepts previously learned. 

Explicit

Structured Literacy instruction requires direct teaching of concepts with continuous student-teacher interaction providing immediate feedback and does not assume students will just pick up the concepts. 

Diagnostic

Teachers must be adept at individualising instruction (even within groups) based on careful and continuous assessment both informal (e.g., observation) and formal (e.g., with standardised measures). Content must be mastered to the degree of automaticity needed to free attention and cognitive resources for comprehension and oral/written expression. 

Decodable Texts

Decodable texts are designed to support a synthetic phonics method of teaching reading. In synthetic phonics, phonemes and graphemes are taught explicitly and systematically. In decodable books, the text is controlled by and limited to the phonemes and graphemes that have been taught to that point.

Programmes/Texts we use

• Heggerty
• The Code
• Sunshine Reading Texts
• Phonics Plus (MOE Texts)
• Catch-up Readers Series

Heart Words

Heart Words are words with an irregular spelling pattern or high-frequency words with a spelling pattern that hasn’t yet been taught.

The Speech Sounds of New Zealand English Video

The 44 Sounds for the English Language

What does it look like at Mangaroa School?

At Mangaroa School, Structured Literacy emphasizes a systematic approach to teaching reading and writing. This method typically includes:

1. Phonemic Awareness: Activities that help students recognize and manipulate sounds in words.
2. Phonics Instruction: Teaching the relationship between sounds and their written forms, focusing on decoding skills.
3. Fluency: Encouraging practice to develop reading speed and accuracy.
4. Vocabulary Development: Explicit instruction in word meanings and usage to enhance comprehension.
5. Comprehension Strategies: Teaching students to understand and analyse texts, including summarizing and making inferences.

Classrooms may use a variety of resources, such as structured programs and hands-on activities, to engage students. Teachers will use ongoing assessments to tailor instruction to individual needs, ensuring all students build a strong foundation in literacy skills.

What can I do to support my child?

• Do activities to help your child build sound skills (make sure they are short and fun; avoid allowing your child to get frustrated).
• Help your child think of several words that start with the /m/ or /ch/ sound, or other beginning sounds.
• Make up silly sentences with words that begin with the same sound, such as “Nobody was nice to Nancy’s neighbour”.
• Play simple rhyming or blending games with your child, such as taking turns coming up with words that rhyme (go – no) or blending simple words (/d/, /o/, /g/ = dog).
• Read books with rhymes. Teach your child rhymes, short poems, and songs.
• Practice the alphabet by pointing out letters wherever you see them and by reading alphabet books.
• Consider using computer software that focuses on developing phonological and phonemic awareness skills. Many of these programs use colourful graphics and animation that keep young children engaged and motivated.