Learning and Teaching Adviser & Acting APA News
Early Years Data Meeting (Prep - Year 2)
This week Prep - Year 2 teachers were released from class to analyse literacy and numeracy data with myself, our Speech Pathologist Tegan Golding, and the Early Years System Adviser from Catholic Education Amanda Banister. It was very pleasing to see that our data is on track with the expectations of our Diocese. Teachers then used the data to establish next steps and goals for student learning. The literacy test was broken up into 2 parts - Phonological Awareness and Language. I will now briefly explain the difference between the two and include some ways you support your children at home.
Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize the individual sounds of speech. Did you know there are 44 sounds (or phonemes) in the English Language You can help your children develop phonological awareness by engaging in activities such as:
- rhyming games & songs
- clapping out syllables in words
- recognising sounds in words (eg. What sound does the word snake begin with? - ‘ssssss’)
- I spy, using sounds (“I spy with my little eye something that starts with the ‘mmm’ sound)
- Year 1 can use Reading Eggs, particularly ‘Fast Phonics.’ (see teachers for login)
- Phonics Song (this will help you and your child to pronounce each of the basic 26 sounds - please note that at school students learn their are 44 sounds in the English Language, made up by many different spelling choices - this youtube clip may help you, as a parent, identify and pronounce the 44 sounds ‘Pronunciation - 44 phonic sounds). At school, we use the THRASS chart as a tool for students to choose spelling choices from the 44 sounds.
Language development is the process of learning how to communicate using words and sentences. It is an important part of a child’s development, as it helps them to express their thoughts and needs. In the early years, children learn language through listening, speaking, and interacting with others. You can help your child develop language skills by:
- talking to them many times throughout the day
- reading to them every day
- playing games that encourage communication (eg. board games, eye spy, car games)
Phonological Awareness and Language skills are the building blocks children need to be able to read and write. They play a strong part in the Early Years Australian Curriculum and our early years teachers heavily focus on these skills. Furthermore, by providing a supportive environment at home, parents can help their children develop strong literacy skills that will serve them well in life.
Yours in Learning,
Aleesha Rockemer
Learning and Teaching Adviser and Acting Assistant Principal - Administration