The goal of this project is to focus on research based literacy strategies that will support the literacy competencies of our students in the primary years.
In this project, the aim is to develop a school learning community where at risk learners receive early support in order to be successful at school. Students who may struggle will be identified and provided the necessary support through a network of parent, teacher, peer students and siblings.
The literacy capacities of parents and siblings will be significantly impacted through this project. Parents will understand how to effectively support their children at home. Older siblings will be able to demonstrate skills for school readiness at home as role models. Families will be equipped to access literacy supports within the community.
This project aims to address the school readiness of at risk learners through early intervention by building a set of sustainable strategic supports.
The definition of literacy in this project (based upon the broader interpretation from the Western Protocol, 1996) is an expanded understanding of literacy. The six language arts of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and representing are used in a connected and interdependent manner, in order to explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences, comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print and other media texts, manage ideas and information, enhance the clarity and artistry of communication and celebrate and build community. The definition of text includes language forms that students may explore and create, including textbooks, graphic novels, maps, charts, research articles, newspapers, poetry, and film.
The goal of this project is to focus on research based literacy strategies that will support the literacy competencies of our students. We will develop effective, consistent literacy strategies that will assist students to be successful with the Alberta Program of Studies across all content areas.
At both the elementary and middle school sites, this includes building decoding, reading fluency and reading comprehension skills. Informational literacy will be introduced earlier, emphasizing reading comprehension with content based information. This will continue to the middle school grades.
Writing will be enhanced through developing a consistent writing framework. As well, students will develop competencies and familiarity with different forms of text throughout various content areas. This strategic exposure will enhance the ability of students to create their own varieties of text.
The emphasis on current understandings of literacy and text will lead to students making their own meaning through reading, exploring and creating their own forms of text.