Speedy Readers – The Literacy Toolbox, created by Eddie Carron, is available on Highland Council PCs and laptops in those schools that opted to purchase the software.

To support the use of the programme, the following user guides for staff and learners have been created:

Speedy Readers Staff Guidelines – October 2014
1. Accessing ‘Speedy Readers’
2. Using ‘Library 300’
3. Using ‘Reading Comprehension’
4. Using ‘Dictation One’
5. Using ‘Dictation’
6. Using ‘Higher Dictation’
7. Using ‘Jumpstart’
8. Using ‘Sentence Builder’
9. Using ‘Reading Starter’

CLICK HERE to access all user guides in a zip file.

Eddie Carron, the creator of the software, has a discussion forum that can be accessed on: http://realteacher.forumchitchat.com/

In our earlier post Writing a Literacy Policy in Highland Schools we provided guidance and a template for Highland Primary Schools to support the creation of a Literacy Policy.

Following this we have now created an example policy based on these guidelines. This is aimed to show what a Literacy Policy may look like in a Primary School.

CLICK HERE – Writing a Literacy Policy in the Primary School EXAMPLE

Pieces of art, in particular portraits, can be used as a vehicle for discussion which can contribute to creating a piece of text.

An exciting interdisciplinary learning opportunity is visiting the Highlands. Portrait artist John Byrne’s portrait exhbition is in residence between the 1st and 29th of November in Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.

The Creative Learning Leader, Amy Macleod, at High Life Highland has announced an exciting opportunity for learners in Highland schools. With a 75% travel subsidy incentive (must be agreed with Amy Macleod in advance) for schools to visit Byrne’s work, it’s a great opportunity to educate learners about a Scottish artist.

Schools who benefit from visiting the exhibition are asked to submit pieces of writing for a creative writing text called the “Highland Book of Byrne”. This is an excellent opportunity to provide purpose and audience when creating texts across Second – Fourth Level CfE and the Senior Phase.

For information about the exhibition:
CLICK HERE – John Byrne Sitting Ducks

For more information, please email: amy.macleod@highlifehighland.com

When delivering a reading lesson we teach learners a number of different skills. These skills may be developed before, during or after reading a text.

A tool has been created to help practitioners define some of these strategies which fall under four broad headings:

R – Reading Fluency
E – Enabling Accuracy
A – Ambitious Vocabulary
D – Developing Comprehension

The first page provides an overview of these skills. The later three pages of the document contain video links (accessed by clicking the images) which provide you with an overview of the strategy, and ideas around how to embed this in your classroom.

This can be used in conjunction with your current reading programme.

CLICK HERE – READ Strategies

The National Library of Scotland have a set of fantastic resources that can be used to support Literature and Language which are linked to the curriculum areas.

A favourite is the Fairytales Learning Resource which is targeted at Early – Second Level.

One for those teaching letter sounds, names and word building – Magnetic Letters – Online resource. A great free resource that can be used to support the teaching of spelling and phonics. Simply select the letters you require and drag them across the whiteboard to create words.

CLICK HERE Magnetic Letters – Online resource

When shaping our “Literacy Week” in our classrooms we encompass a wide variety of skills through reading, writing and listening and talking activities.

We’ve looked at putting a structure together which could encompass these aspects into Literacy lessons which allow practitioners to engage with all learners during the literacy session whilst developing a multitude of skills.

We’re very interested in feedback on these guidelines.

CLICK HERE Highland Literacy – Structuring your Literacy Programme

With Hallowe’en fast approaching, why not teach the skill of spooky story telling next Friday. Want to know where to start, click the image above . . . if you dare!!!

Enjoy the last weekend of the October break!

CLICK HERE for information about Literacy and Language CPD events hosted by Edinburgh University.

CLICK HERE for more information regarding the events and services that Edinburgh University offer to support Career Long Professional Learning (CLPL).

Literacy Circles is an approach which develops Reciprocal Reading.

Reciprocal reading is a well-researched method used to develop learners’ reading skills, promote higher order thinking, develop listening and talking, and ensure access to the curriculum for all learners. Studies have also demonstrated that learners transfer their learning into other contexts. Reciprocal reading is just one in a number of strategies which can be used when learners are reading and analysing texts.

We have developed guidelines to help you establish Literacy Circles in your classroom.

When printing these guidelines please select “Flip on the Short Edge” under “2 Sided Printing” in your printer’s settings. This will print a booklet using three sheets of A4.

CLICK HERE Highland Literacy – Literacy Circles