This week on Compass, Information was shared in the Term 2 Overview of Learning about the content and skills taught by teachers during English lessons. In addition to this, we have begun providing further information on Compass about evidence-based programs that we use at St Michael’s.

The English Block at St Michael’s occurs daily from 9-11am and is taught using Direct Instruction and High Impact Teaching methods. Teachers use a variety of methods including the use of whiteboards and slides to deliver content and skills. We also deliver literacy Intervention programs to support students to further embed and develop their literacy skills. This is to ensure we strive to reach the system goal that every child will be a competent reader.

English K-2

Teachers in K-2 use the InitiaLit program to teach. It is a researched-based program developed by an organisation called MultiLit. It addresses reading, spelling and writing by:

1. actively teaching the relationships between sounds and letters
2. building vocabulary skills through quality children’s books
3. giving children lots of practice in reading, handwriting, spelling and writing activities

If you would like to know more about this program and how you can help your child at home please read the information provided on Compass.

English 3-6

Teachers in 3-6 deliver lessons on spelling. grammar, handwriting and typing, vocabulary, sentence and text level writing, word level reading, text level reading, comprehension and reading fluency.

In Years 3-6 we have adopted Spelling Mastery. This is a Direct Instruction program that has an extensive research base and is teacher directed. The program helps students understand the relationship between sounds, word parts, and spelling patterns. Spelling Mastery encourages students to learn strategies to spell correctly rather than rely on memory alone. 

If you would like more ideas on supporting your child at home, you are encouraged to discuss your child’s learning with his/her classroom teacher. You could also support your child’s literacy progress by

1. Encouraging daily reading &reading to your child.
2. Build vocabulary through helping your child to learn new words and explaining their meaning.
3. Share learning by encouraging your child to talk about a topic, idea or skill they learnt at school and ask detailed questions.
4. Ask your child’s teacher if they can provide support and advice for learning at home.

If you would like to know more about CECG Literacy practice and teaching methods please follow the link provided.

https://catalyst.cg.catholic.edu.au/information-for-parents/