Within Curriculum for Excellence literacy is defined as:
the set of skills which allows an individual to engage fully in society and in learning, through the different forms of language, and the range of texts, which society values and finds useful.
The three main aspects of Literacy are the same as those used in the modern languages frameworks:
- Listening and Talking
- Reading
- Writing
Within these organisers there are subdivisions:-
- Enjoyment and choice–encouraging pupils to look at a variety of different texts.
- The Tools section includes important skills such as reading strategies, spelling and grammar.
- Finding and using information involves pupils in research and putting what they find out into their own words.
- Understanding, analysing and evaluating makes pupils think carefully about what they are reading and listening to.
- Creating texts describes the kind of opportunities which will help children and young people to develop their ability to communicate effectively, for example, by writing clear, well-structured explanations or giving spoken presentations to the class.
(from Education Scotland)
Literacy texts can now mean a wide range of items. Not just stories, plays and poetry; not just fact and fiction books from the Library; but a whole range of other materials. These can include:-
- novels, short stories, plays, poems
- reference texts
- the spoken word
- charts, maps, graphs and timetables
- advertisements, promotional leaflets
- comics, newspapers and magazines
- CVs, letters and emails
- films, games and TV programmes
- labels, signs and posters
- recipes, manuals and instructions
- reports and reviews
- text messages, blogs and social networking sites
- web pages, catalogues and directories
Strategies for Teachers to use
- Use consistent strategies and language across the curriculum and be aware how literacy techniques are used in other subjects within school.
- Help parents understand grammatical and punctuation techniques and methods (see links below).
- Develop use of literacy language and vocabulary.
- Develop students’ skills in planning, note-making, drafting and re-drafting
- Develop students’ ability to spell and punctuate accurately
- Use topical material in class – news items, authors in the news, film or TV tie-ins to books
- Encourage students to look over their own and others work to tactfully suggest changes (self and peer assessment)
- Identify students who require additional support with speech, reading, spelling, handwriting, etc
- Provide information to other subject teachers on appropriate expectations of learners and difficulties.
Strategies for Parents to use
- Discuss things with your children- likes/dislikes, what life was like when you were their age, activities you are going to do, places you might visit.
- Play word games such as Scrabble, Wordsearches or Crosswords.
- Read to your children when young, put on funny voices to make it more “dramatic”. You don’t have to be a great actor – just reading regularly is a good bonding activity and gets them into a sleep routine. When older, reading before going to sleep can be calming and relaxing.
- Visit the School or Community Library. Talk about books you are reading, if appropriate.
- Use the links below – there are excellent resources online.
To view the BJHS Literacy Policy, please click here.
To view the whole school correction code, click here.
Useful Websites:-
Reading and literacy
An Adult Literacy and Numeracy Framework for Scotland
http://www.lc.communitiesscotland.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/webpages/cs_008875.pdf
Skills for Scotland