Literate Practices
The ability to read well is essential in all areas of schooling and their lives beyond school. Reading allows students to:
- access a wide range of information and opinions with ease – an essential skill if they are to be active, informed citizens in the Information Age;
- immerse themselves in language and to become aware of the rhythms and patterns of written language;
- become better writers
In order to maximize students’ literacy potential, we at Wynnum State High School in 2003 introduced a program called Literate Practices.
We are a part of a secondary schools network called the Secondary Schools Literacy Renewal program, along with twelve other high schools in Queensland. Dr Carol Christensen from the University of Queensland is the mentor of this program and it is through her work that the program had its beginnings. In the practical sense, the program means that all year 8 and 9 students are explicitly taught reading skills as a focused lesson in a dedicated time, three times per week. It is a program developed to enrich and extend their reading and learning potential.
Even good readers will be involved in and will benefit from the program which is underpinned by the following principles:
- Literacy is a cross-curriculum skill – it is essential to success in all Key Learning Areas and subjects.
- The most successful literacy program will require a cohesive approach by all staff, not just English teachers.
- Literacy skills (including reading) needs to be taught explicitly and need to be well scaffolded.
- The specific needs and interests of groups of students must be taken into account.
- Good readers and writers need to be challenged, encouraged and supported to continue to develop their skills.
- A successful program will depend on establishing a supportive, warm learning environment.
Students in Years 8 and 9 do not select units for Literate Practices but are appropriately placed (according to their TORC – 3 Reading Comprehension test results) in classes.
Reading at home should be encouraged and supported by parents and carers. We believe that this program signals our determination to prepare our students well for life in the Information Age. Whilst all year 8 and year 9 students will participate this year, some students from other year levels are targeted as well.
