Dear WIS Community,
At Windhoek International School (WIS) we have implemented a literacy approach that focuses on text types, or looking at how texts are put together. This method does not use expensive suites or programs. Instead, it employs a pedagogical approach aimed at empowering teachers to teach reading and writing by making texts accessible to all students. We have been working with literacy consultant Stephen Graham for the second year, implementing strategies to support all learners.
The Power of Text Type Pedagogy
Central to our approach is the concept of text type pedagogy, also known as functional linguistics. This practical, results-driven method has shown remarkable improvements in our students' literacy outcomes and MAP Growth scores.
Here's why it works:
1. It provides a structured way to teach both content and language simultaneously.
2. Students learn to master five core text types, making it easier to tackle other types of writing.
3. It's particularly beneficial for English Language Learners (ELLs) and students with learning difficulties.
Our students are developing a metalanguage for reading and writing that will serve them throughout their lives. This approach is particularly suited to the needs of our multicultural classrooms, where every teacher is essentially a teacher of "languages other than English" due to our linguistic diversity.
Here’s what you might hear learners say:
‘An information report has a macro group and then different micro groups.’
‘ A text uses connectives to link parts of the text. Some examples are first, then, subsequently.’
‘In an information report there are lots of technical words, but no emotive words, because its job is to inform people, not to entertain people.’
Expert Guidance: Stephen Graham
We're fortunate to have had Stephen Graham as our consultant for the second year running. Stephen's impact on education was recently recognized with an award from the Victorian government in Australia. His classroom demonstrations have been a hit with our teachers – this week it was not uncommon to see more teachers than students in a room during his sessions, all eager to learn from his expertise!
Stephen's approach emphasises:
Breaking learning into smaller, manageable steps
Providing ample opportunities for practice
Using explicit instruction methods
These strategies benefit all students, not just those with identified needs.
Results That Speak for Themselves The success of our approach is evident in the remarkable improvements we've seen in our students' literacy outcomes and MAP Growth scores. We believe that in education, substance matters more than flashy programs or websites.
As we continue to refine and develop our literacy approach, we're excited to see our students grow into confident, capable readers and writers. We're grateful for the support of our school community and Stephen Graham in this journey towards empowering all learners.
Warmly,
Marcelle van Leenen | Primary School Principal
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