NORTH Lanarkshire's youngest schoolchildren are being given the tools they need to make them more fluent in reading, writing and talking and to be inquisitive, passionate and successful learners.

 

Active Literacy is an ambitious primary school programme developed in-house and aims to support improvements in literacy learning and pupils' participation in their learning.  Importantly, the approach is child-centred and highly participative.

 

In the evaluation of phase 1 of the programme, primary 1 pupils taking part were shown to have a reading age five months ahead of their North Lanarkshire schoolmates. The success of the 2005-06 programme has led to a comprehensive staff development programme to ensure a successful roll-out to all primary schools.

 

On Thursday 2 October, 250 head teachers and teachers from North Lanarkshire and beyond, attended the launch of Active Literacy phases 2 and 3.  The programme for the older age group includes high quality teacher and pupil resources and a new staff development programme.  To further support the stage 1 programme, around 4,000 primary 1 children and 3,800 primary 2 and primary 3 children will be given newly developed white boards and magnetic letters to enhance the learning of word building, phonics, sentence making and spelling.  This multi sensory approach will enrich the learning experience.

 

In primaries 4 to 7 children are being introduced to new quality novels, which they are encouraged to take home and share with their parents.  Parents, too, are being urged to take part in Active Literacy, with parents evenings taking place across North Lanarkshire explaining how they can support the development of their child's literacy skills.

 

Councillor Jim McCabe, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council and an enthusiastic advocate of Active Literacy, was present at the launch. He said, "Every child deserves the best possible start to literacy learning.  Knowing how to read is fundamental for everyone.  With Active Literacy, we are giving all of our children a kick-start."

 

"Active Literacy", explained Christine Pollock, Executive Director of Learning and Leisure Services, "is all about enjoyable active learning. Children no longer sit passively working their way through reading schemes and worksheets.  They are involved in their learning and work collaboratively in groups with other children, talking about what they are doing and, importantly, actively participating in the learning experience.  This approach is child-centered and the outcomes prove that the approach is successful.

 

"As the teacher teaches them, they have to teach a partner.  There is a high level of interaction and involvement.

 

"From P1 upwards, children have to be able to explain how they have learnt and what they have learnt. The staff development programme is crucial to the success of this approach.  The programme has shown a real difference in the motivation of children.  They are much more enthusiastic learners."

 

At the heart of Active Literacy, is a child-centred approach to phonics, spelling, reading and writing ensuring that the capacities of a Curriculum for Excellence are embedded.

 

Councillor McCabe added: "The success so far of Active Literacy is thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of teachers and pupils across North Lanarkshire. I am delighted with the improvements and look forward to measuring the impact of the new phase of the development."