The Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) incorporates vocabulary development using quality children鈥檚 story books, structured teaching of critical phonological awareness skills and letter-sound knowledge through fun, game-based activities, activities making explicit links to the reading and spelling context, and structured small group reading sessions using the new Ready to Read 鈥 Phonics Plus early readers series. The BSLA follows a phonics scope and sequence that is used in the class and small group reading teaching.
The听BSLA听also incorporates carefully designed monitoring assessments focused on critical early skills known influence reading success. This includes letter-sound knowledge, phonological awareness, oral language, word reading and spelling, and connected text tasks, specifically designed to monitor children鈥檚 literacy growth in their first year of school, and provide specific direction for teaching at the class and individual level.
Wh膩nau engagement is a critical component of early literacy success. The BSLA also includes wh膩nau workshop materials and other supporting content such as weekly letters to parents and strengths-based reporting, to facilitate wh膩nau-school partnerships and maximise children鈥檚鈥 opportunities for early literacy success.
There are three tailored learning options available for teachers and literacy leads wishing to implement the BSLA in their schools:听听
