In The Classroom

Literacy (English)

The teaching of Literacy is a high priority at Toorak Primary School. The ability to read, write as well as receive and communicate ideas verbally underpins all learning.

Toorak Primary School utilises The Early Years Program for its Prep to Grade 4 classes and the Middle Years Program is implemented in Years 5 and 6. These programs incorporate a daily two hour uninterrupted literacy block that focuses on Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening.

Structured lessons operate incorporating whole grade, small group, partner and individual work. Literacy lessons include challenging and fun activities that develop skills in comprehension, grammar, punctuation and spelling.

In Reading and Writing, students develop an awareness and knowledge of a variety of genres such as factual recounts, descriptions, newspaper articles, book and film reviews and poems. They learn to discuss and analyse text and language critically, and to relate their learning to personal experiences. Ongoing assessment and monitoring informs planning and identifies student needs.