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Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA)
Since 2020 , our DP Kristen Webster had designed a blended approach to literacy in the Junior School and in 2022 we decided that BSLA would fit into our blended literacy approach for our school context.
Information for Parents and Caregivers
In 2023, we started the The Better Start Literacy Approach at Onepoto School. Our previous approach was Jolly Phonics and a Whole Language approach. Phonics together with oral language, reading and writing has formed a strong foundation over the past 5 years and we have now started to implement BSLA.
The Better Start Literacy Approach. is an integrated classroom literacy programme for Year 0/1 classrooms. The approach is based on several years of research trials investigating the most efficient and effective methods to support children’s early reading, writing and oral language success.
It incorporates vocabulary development using quality children’s story books, structured teaching of critical phonological awareness skills and letter-sound knowledge through fun, game-based activities, activities making explicit links to the reading and spelling context, and structured small group reading sessions using the new Ready to Read – Phonics Plus early readers series.
The Better Start Literacy Approach follows a phonics scope and sequence that is used in the class and small group reading teaching.
The Better Start Literacy Approach also incorporates carefully designed monitoring assessments focused on critical early skills known influence reading success. This includes letter-sound knowledge, phonological awareness, oral language, word reading and spelling, and connected text tasks, specifically designed to monitor children’s literacy growth in their first year of school, and provide specific direction for teaching at the class and individual level.
Whānau engagement is a critical component of early literacy success. The Better Start Literacy Approach will also include whānau workshop materials and other supporting content such as weekly letters to parents and strengths-based reporting, to facilitate whānau-school partnerships and maximise children’s’ opportunities for early literacy success. BSLA Workshops for Parents and Caregivers will be offered in terms 2 and 3.