Literacy at Glenroy West Primary School

At Glenroy West Primary School, we understand that literacy is the cornerstone of learning and life-long success. Our approach embraces evidence-based strategies that focus on building the essential skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Our literacy program integrates decoding, comprehension, oral language, phonics, vocabulary, and fluency into daily practices to empower every student to achieve their best.

Here’s how we support literacy learning:

Reading

We nurture strong, confident readers through engaging and dynamic teaching practices:

• Daily Reading Hour: Incorporating whole-class instruction, small-group teaching, and independent reading time to build fluency and comprehension.
• Explicit Phonics Instruction: Using the Little Learners Love Literacy program to develop foundational reading and spelling skills.
• Targeted Support: Reading intervention programs tailored to meet the needs of individual students.
• Rich Text Experiences: Celebrating diverse stories and perspectives from cultures around the world.
• Personalised Feedback: Individual reading conferences to discuss progress and set personalised goals.
• Access to Resources: Digital reading programs, a well-stocked school library, and mini libraries in every classroom inspire a love of reading.
• Progress Tracking: Regular assessments to monitor growth and guide teaching.

Writing

Our writing program empowers students to express themselves with clarity and creativity:

• Daily Writing Hour: Focused lessons incorporating whole-class and small-group instruction.
• Skills Development: Teaching handwriting, spelling, grammar, and the art of editing for accuracy and impact.
• Incorporating Technology: Opportunities to publish work using digital tools to enhance presentation and pride in their achievements.
• Individualised Support: Writing conferences to provide personalised feedback and targeted intervention when needed.
• Creative Expression: Inspiring students to explore various genres and styles of writing while building their voice and confidence.

Speaking and Listening

We embed speaking and listening into all areas of learning to strengthen oral communication skills and build confidence:

• Integrated Learning: Speaking and listening skills are practised daily within literacy, numeracy, and inquiry units.
• Real-Life Applications: Opportunities to engage in discussions, debates, and presentations.
• Vocabulary Development: Building a rich vocabulary to express ideas effectively.
• Drama and Role Play: Activities such as reader’s theatre, puppet plays, and role-playing to enhance understanding and engagement with texts.
• Collaborative Conversations: Participation in meaningful conversations and group discussions to foster listening skills and respect for others' ideas.

Our school library is a vibrant hub of learning, with a growing collection of books carefully curated to excite and inspire a love of reading. With access to these resources and a clear focus on foundational skills, students at Glenroy West Primary School develop as confident, capable, and passionate communicators.