As a codicil, really, to the last posting, the report in Education Guardian today is very encouraging, linking a phonics approach to a whole community drive to improve literacy standards:
Synthetic phonics, where children learn to sound out the single and combined sounds of letters, has been at the core of the scheme but it has not been the only factor. A 10-strand intervention was set up, featuring a team of specially trained teachers, focused assessment, extra time for reading in the curriculum, home support for parents and carers, and the fostering of a “literacy environment” in the community.
(My emphases)
The artcile continues, very tellingly:
Lynn Townsend, head of service for education at West Dunbartonshire council, says the project would not have succeeded if they had not focused on the few falling through the cracks.
If we don’t pretend that one single set of actions will work for all children, then maybe we can do something about raising standards through phonics teaching.
nicktomjoe 