This week, anticipation reached a high as we unwrapped and delved into a treasure trove of new decodable readers. These aren't just any books; they are the resources of an exciting new early reading program – "Little Learners Love Literacy." As parents, you may wonder what sets this program apart, and why there is such a buzz around it.

Structured Literacy for Young Minds

Little Learners Love Literacy isn't just a set of books; it's a meticulously designed program, aimed at imparting the art of reading and spelling through structured literacy. Originating from a group of educators in Melbourne. This initiative responds to a recognised need for explicit teaching of foundational literacy skills. The heart of this program lies in equipping our young learners with the invaluable tools of phonological and phonemic awareness.

Phonological Awareness: A Gateway to Reading
Phonological awareness involves recognizing and manipulating the audible components of words. This includes understanding syllables, recognizing onset–rhyme patterns, and comprehending phonemes. These skills serve as the building blocks for effective reading and lay the foundation for linguistic proficiency.
Phonemic Awareness: Mastering the Sounds
Moving a step further, phonemic awareness works on the ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) within spoken words. It's the fine-tuning of auditory discrimination, a skill indispensable for the intricate task of decoding written language.

Why Early Literacy Matters

The significance of early literacy cannot be overstated. Research consistently emphasises that children grasp reading most effectively when armed with a strong foundation in phonological and phonemic awareness. But why is this early stage so crucial?

Gateway to Future Learning
Early literacy acts as a gateway to future academic success. It's not merely about decoding words on a page; it's about unlocking a world of knowledge. Proficiency in reading at an early age has a cascading effect on various subjects, setting the stage for a lifelong love of learning.
Cognitive Development
Engaging with literacy at a young age stimulates cognitive development. It enhances memory, strengthens language processing skills, and nurtures critical thinking abilities. The early exposure to structured literacy sets the cognitive gears in motion for a child's future educational endeavours.
Confidence Boost
Imagine the pride and confidence a child feels when decoding words independently. Early literacy empowers young learners, fostering a positive attitude towards education. This sense of accomplishment at the foundational level is a powerful motivator that echoes throughout their academic journey.

Little Learners Love Literacy at Our School: What to Expect

As we embark on this exciting journey with Little Learners Love Literacy, here's what parents can anticipate:

Structured Learning Approach
The program employs a structured approach, ensuring that each step in the learning process builds upon the previous one. This systematic approach is tailored to suit the developmental stages of our young readers.
Engaging Decodable Readers
The heart of the program lies in the decodable readers – books meticulously crafted to align with the structured literacy approach. These readers provide a scaffolded experience, guiding children through the gradual mastery of reading skills.
Expert-Backed Methodology
Little Learners Love Literacy isn't a mere experiment. It's grounded in research-backed methodologies that have proven effective in enhancing early literacy skills. The program is designed, not just to teach children to read, but to instil in them a deep understanding of language.

Nurturing Future Readers

In the tapestry of education, early literacy forms the vibrant threads that weave the narrative of a child's academic journey. Little Learners Love Literacy at our school isn't just about teaching children to read; it's about sculpting confident, engaged learners, ready to embrace the challenges of future education.

As we introduce this program, let's celebrate the foundation we are laying for our little ones – a foundation built on the pillars of phonological and phonemic awareness. Together, let's embark on a journey where every turned page is a step towards a brighter, more literate future.

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. - Proverbs 22:6

Candace Freeman - Head of Teaching & Learning Primary