BSLA (Better Start Literacy Approach)

Better Start Literacy Approach

Our school is implementing an enhancement to our reading curriculum in our Year 0/1 classrooms called the Better Start Literacy Approach. This approach has been developed in New Zealand by a team of experienced researchers from the University of Canterbury, following years of research on the best ways to support children’s early reading, writing and oral language success.

In class, we will share exciting storybooks that will help grow the number of new and interesting words that your children can use and understand when talking. We will also be playing games that develop your child’s phonological awareness knowledge – or their awareness of the sounds within words. This area is particularly important to help your child learn to read and spell.

We are also making some changes to our reading groups. You may notice a change in the kinds of books coming home in your child’s bookbag. The Better Start Literacy Approach uses carefully chosen texts to provide opportunities to practice reading. The words in the books are closely related to the letters and sounds we are teaching in class. There will be lots of opportunities to practice sounding out words made from letters and sounds that they know or are learning – building their confidence and skill as readers.

Contact Natalie King (Junior School Dean) – natalie@east-taieri.school.nz