Literacy and English
Our aim is for all children to become aware of the enjoyment of reading and writing and that they will acquire the reading habit – a habit that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
In the early stages children are encouraged to look carefully at both pictures and writing. This is to prepare for word and letter recognition. They learn to follow left to right patterns in preparation for reading and writing. Skills in listening and talking are also developed.
Writing begins with free patterns, leading to actual letter shapes and numerals. Close attention is paid to forming the letters correctly. Whole school reading and writing programmes ensures that skills are consolidated, developed and implemented into other curricular areas.
A variety of resources are available to ensure all children’s skills can develop appropriately. These resources develop not only mechanical reading but assess comprehension and help develop writing and spelling skills.
We aim to support all children so that they develop at their correct pace and become proficient in understanding text, looking for deeper meanings, extending their vocabulary, appreciating a wide selection of literature and using life skills.
In addition to active games and practical activities, our early phonics and spelling programme uses Read, Write Inc as a core resource. These learning opportunities provide children with knowledge of sounds and decoding skills allowing them to access texts with confidence and accuracy. We use a range of reading schemes to build children’s confidence of reading with fluency and expression, while ensuring a thorough understanding of the text. For some learners we use an online reading resource called ‘Rapid Reading’. This resource supports the children to decode texts while providing them with online rewards for the progress they are making with reading.
As children become more independent in reading, they will progress onto the Accelerated Reading scheme. This resource allows children to choose their own reading books appropriate to their individuals reading level. Teacher & peer discussion regarding their reading, partnered with online comprehension questions allow pupils to recognise successes and identify next steps in reading.
Although pupils at Earlston Primary are able to use word processors to support their writing process, we believe that it is very important that children appreciate the importance of handwriting and neat presentation. Children are encouraged to develop lasting writing habits of a neat, legible style of presentation where appropriate.
One of the most important aspects of writing is the quality of the ideas used. However, due attention will be paid to the more formal aspects of writing, namely spelling, handwriting, presentation and punctuation.
Pupils are encouraged to take turns when talking and to listen politely when other pupils are recounting an experience, presenting ideas or offering their suggestions. Children are encouraged to learn skills in presenting their ideas, expressing views and opinions and listening for a variety of purposes.
Our approach to language work is based on the view that language development underlies everything we do in school. Aspects of language are often not only integrated but also taught through other curricular areas.
Languages
‘Learning other languages enables young people to make connections with different people and their cultures and to play a fuller part as global citizens’. [Building the Curriculum 1]
In Earlston Primary French is taught as part of literacy from Primary 1. From Primary 5, as part of learning about other countries and cultures, knowledge and understanding of other languages are introduced.
The four key components within our Languages programme develop pupils’ skills in talking, listening, reading and writing. The teaching approaches used encourage plenty of interactive activities, including the use of the interactive whiteboard.
If you would like further information on the Languages: 1 + 2 Approach then please access the following webpages:
www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00393435.pdf www.educationscotland.gov.uk
www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00393435.pdf
www.educationscotland.gov.uk
Our aim is for all children to become aware of the enjoyment of reading and writing and that they will acquire the reading habit – a habit that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
In the early stages children are encouraged to look carefully at both pictures and writing. This is to prepare for word and letter recognition. They learn to follow left to right patterns in preparation for reading and writing. Skills in listening and talking are also developed.
Writing begins with free patterns, leading to actual letter shapes and numerals. Close attention is paid to forming the letters correctly. Whole school reading and writing programmes ensures that skills are consolidated, developed and implemented into other curricular areas.
A variety of resources are available to ensure all children’s skills can develop appropriately. These resources develop not only mechanical reading but assess comprehension and help develop writing and spelling skills.
We aim to support all children so that they develop at their correct pace and become proficient in understanding text, looking for deeper meanings, extending their vocabulary, appreciating a wide selection of literature and using life skills.
In addition to active games and practical activities, our early phonics and spelling programme uses Read, Write Inc as a core resource. These learning opportunities provide children with knowledge of sounds and decoding skills allowing them to access texts with confidence and accuracy. We use a range of reading schemes to build children’s confidence of reading with fluency and expression, while ensuring a thorough understanding of the text. For some learners we use an online reading resource called ‘Rapid Reading’. This resource supports the children to decode texts while providing them with online rewards for the progress they are making with reading.
As children become more independent in reading, they will progress onto the Accelerated Reading scheme. This resource allows children to choose their own reading books appropriate to their individuals reading level. Teacher & peer discussion regarding their reading, partnered with online comprehension questions allow pupils to recognise successes and identify next steps in reading.
Although pupils at Earlston Primary are able to use word processors to support their writing process, we believe that it is very important that children appreciate the importance of handwriting and neat presentation. Children are encouraged to develop lasting writing habits of a neat, legible style of presentation where appropriate.
One of the most important aspects of writing is the quality of the ideas used. However, due attention will be paid to the more formal aspects of writing, namely spelling, handwriting, presentation and punctuation.
Pupils are encouraged to take turns when talking and to listen politely when other pupils are recounting an experience, presenting ideas or offering their suggestions. Children are encouraged to learn skills in presenting their ideas, expressing views and opinions and listening for a variety of purposes.
Our approach to language work is based on the view that language development underlies everything we do in school. Aspects of language are often not only integrated but also taught through other curricular areas.
Languages
‘Learning other languages enables young people to make connections with different people and their cultures and to play a fuller part as global citizens’. [Building the Curriculum 1]
In Earlston Primary French is taught as part of literacy from Primary 1. From Primary 5, as part of learning about other countries and cultures, knowledge and understanding of other languages are introduced.
The four key components within our Languages programme develop pupils’ skills in talking, listening, reading and writing. The teaching approaches used encourage plenty of interactive activities, including the use of the interactive whiteboard.
If you would like further information on the Languages: 1 + 2 Approach then please access the following webpages:
www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00393435.pdf www.educationscotland.gov.uk
www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00393435.pdf
www.educationscotland.gov.uk