SNIPPETS FROM THE AP - Mrs Sophie Denison

Why InitiaLit?

The InitiaLit program is a research-based program from MultiLit. It has been trialled in many schools and has shown positive results in helping children become successful readers and writers.

• The InitiaLit program uses a sound-by-sound synthetic phonics approach to teach reading. Children are taught the relationships between letters and sounds in a sequential and systematic way, starting with easier skills and working up to more complex skills, and are shown how to put sounds together (blend) to read words, and how to break words into sounds (segment) to assist with spelling words. This is opposed to having children guess or try to work out the alphabetic code themselves, by looking at lots of books.
• The InitiaLit program also includes rich vocabulary instruction, and develops children’s language and comprehension skills. This is done by using quality literature (children’s storybooks). These storybooks are also used as springboards for creative and writing activities. 
• Like any skill that we learn (playing soccer, learning a musical instrument), practice makes progress! Reading and writing are very complex skills, and it will take several years for children to develop into proficient readers and writers, so InitiaLit ensures lots of opportunities for practice are provided. A large variety of activities are included in InitiaLit, for reading, handwriting, spelling and writing, some done as a whole class, and others in small groups or independently.

What does InitiaLit do?

InitiaLit teaches children how to read and spell through daily lessons, using research-based teaching methods. It also uses a range of engaging storybooks to develop children’s vocabulary, oral language and writing. InitiaLit will be used daily during the time set aside for literacy. InitiaLit meets the requirements of the Australian National Curriculum.

How can I support my child at home?

Take the time to listen to your child read regularly. They may like to choose their own book, or they may have brought a book home from school. Even if your child can read well, it is still appropriate and pleasurable to read to your child. This is a way of exposing your child to books that they may find difficult to read themselves. Provide a mix of non-fiction and fiction books to enjoy together. Discuss the story, pointing out any new words that may enrich their vocabulary.

It is also useful to help your child learn to read and spell the tricky words taught in class. A list of these words is found at the back of the Home Reading Diary. Your child may also bring home spelling words to practise. In addition to supporting your child’s reading and spelling, there are many ways to build your child’s vocabulary and oral language. Talk about words in the environment: the way they are spelled, what they mean, and what they convey. Make up stories together, do a crossword, play I Spy, sing songs, answer riddles, visit the local library, and limit screen time.