Literacy

The latest news, analysis and best practice advice when it comes to literacy, from recent research and how to implement it to new guidance and what it means

Friday

3rd Jun 2022

Could a ‘human library’ get students talking?
Looking for new ways to boost her EAL students’ speaking skills, international teacher Orla Carlin came across the Danish ‘human library’ concept, and decided to try it out for herself
Human, Library

Friday

20th May 2022

How to teach spelling patterns
There’s a lot more to developing children’s spelling abilities than weekly spelling lists, writes Alex Quigley, in an exclusive extract from his new book
Spelling, Pattern

Monday

16th May 2022

Do audiobooks make a difference to reading?
As audiobooks and podcasts gain popularity, teachers are wondering if there are advantages to using them in the classroom. Here, Alex Quigley explores the research
Audiobooks, reading

Thursday

12th May 2022

Handwriting: 5 stages to cover with your class
Starting with gross and motor skills, sorting out pen grip and concentrating on tiny and tall letters are key in supporting EYFS pupils in learning to write, says Sophie Lamb
Handwriting, tips

Friday

6th May 2022

Is it time to get rid of the term ‘dyslexia’?
Literacy difficulties in children are a common occurrence. But when does poor reading become dyslexia – and does dyslexia even exist? John Morgan finds out more
Dyslexia

Tuesday

26th Apr 2022

Forget ‘balanced’ literacy; we need balanced learning
Learning to read is complex, so teachers need to consider both the implicit and explicit parts of the process, suggests Megan Dixon
Balanced, Reading

Friday

22nd Apr 2022

How phonics became an education culture war
The use of phonics to teach early reading is one of the best-evidenced areas of education, yet debate persists over which method schools should adopt – and, at times, it can get pretty heated
Phonics, Reading, wars

Thursday

14th Apr 2022

What’s the role of phonics in secondary school?
Many secondary teachers turn to phonics when trying to improve students’ literacy, but they need to look at previous learning experience, explore alternatives and constantly evaluate, says Thomas Martell
Secondary, Phonics

Tuesday

5th Apr 2022

GCSE: How to teach students to give insightful answers 
Students need to be able to analyse texts effectively and demonstrate perception for the English literature GCSE, but what’s the best way to equip them with these tools?
GCSE: How to teach students to give insightful answers 

Friday

1st Apr 2022

How to engage reluctant learners with literacy
As ambitious targets are set for GCSEs in the Schools White Paper, we talk to teachers in alternative provision for a two-part series on how to engage those who are struggling: today, the focus is on literacy
Literacy, reluctant

Tuesday

29th Mar 2022

White Paper: Why the evidence doesn’t stack up
The Schools White Paper reads like a less effective school improvement plan, says Megan Dixon: lots of actions, but no clear evaluation strategy
Evidence, Stacked

Monday

28th Mar 2022

White Paper: key points for teaching and learning leads
What does today’s Schools White Paper mean for teaching and learning and pastoral care? Here’s what you need to know
Schools White Paper: key points for teaching and learning leads