Schools |
Free Schools Guide to Literacy
We are delighted to be publishing our new 2011/12 Schools Guide to Literacy
for primary and secondary teaching staff, librarians and senior managers. The guide provides an overview of effective teaching of and support for reading, writing, speaking and listening in schools. It has examples of success in schools and checklists for you to assess your school's progress. It also contains our new research findings which show the clear link between enjoying reading and writing and doing well in tests. Download your free copy
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NEW! Speaking and listening competition
We have once again joined forces with World Wrestling Entertainment® (WWE) to bring you Voice it!, an exciting new speaking and listening competition for your pupils. To enter, pupils must choose a topic that they feel passionate about and be filmed persuading a WWE® Superstar or Diva to share their views. The prize includes being a VIP "guest manager" and going backstage at a UK arena show. Find out more.
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Children as young as 11 should read 50 books a year according to the Education Secretary, yet our research reveals that one in three children in the UK do not even have one book of their own. Our Young Readers Programme motivates and supports children in disadvanatged areas to enjoy reading and become independent readers. Schools across the country can now take part in the programme with our new resource.
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Unique project prepares students for workplace
With the 2011 budget revealing government plans to increase the number of apprenticeships and work placements for young people, you may be thinking about how your students would fare in the workplace. Our Words for Work
project works with secondary school students to develop their speaking and listening skills to prepare them for the world of work. From June, Words for Work will be available to all schools. Visit our website to find out more and pre-order the resource pack.
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Young people's reading and writing research report
We would like to thank all the schools and the 17,000 who pupils took part in our study of children and young people's reading and writing at the end of 2009. Over the last year reports from the research have attracted media attention on issues including the widening gender achievement gap, family involvement in literacy and, the impact of school libraries and public libraries. You can now read the full report.
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Ministers announced that all children will definitely sit a phonics test at the age of six. We believe that while synthetic phonics play a significant role in the teaching of literacy, they are only part of the picture. In our new Schools Guide to Literacy
we show you how you can complement your teaching of phonics and create motivated and confident learners. What do you think of the reading test? Tell us via our Facebook page.
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Early Years |
NEW resource to engage families
Ensure literacy and language support in the home for the babies and young children you work with by giving your families this fun and informative resource. The Family Literacy Wheel is based on evidence of the barriers to supporting literacy in the home and has been developed in consultation with parents. Parents and carers can learn how to assist their child’s development with an interactive wheel of activities. Read more
about the resource or order now.
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Latest on Talk To Your Baby campaign
We have been busy hitting the airwaves to let as many parents as possible know about www.talktoyourbaby.org.uk. Several million people have heard our message on radio shows including Vanessa Feltz’s BBC London show. Last week, Dr Cathy Hamer from our Talk To Your Baby campaign took part in a live web chat
on the Baby Expert website where she offered guidance on the most effective ways to communicate with your baby and answered specific speech development questions. This Fathers' Day we will be celebrating the role of dads in supporting babies' language development so please email us about any dads doing a great job.
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Ladybird is getting the nation reading in 2011
On 2 June, during half-term, Ladybird will be getting the nation reading with the first-ever Ladybird Live, a day-long celebration of storytelling for children and advice for their parents. Ladybird is offering nurseries, libraries and children's centres a free storytelling kit. Register online.
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Local Areas & Services |
NEW support for communities and local services
Visit our new Local Partnerships Zone to download free resources and guidance to help you target literacy support to families and those with the greatest need. We can also help you improve early language and literacy levels through a community-wide strategy. Visit our communities and local areas page to access the zone and find out more about working with us.
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Conference focuses on how literacy can improve life chances
A new policy and practice conference will look at the role literacy can play in raising aspirations and life chances. Held in London on 11 October 2011, the conference is open to all those working with families and communities. Best practice examples will focus on literacy in the home, working with families, volunteerism and how local areas can develop a community-wide strategy. Keep up to date with announcements
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Literacy Champions support census applications in Rochdale
The census has raised concerns across a number of areas that many people with low levels of literacy will struggle to complete the form. While people can request support, some of our local partners are concerned that those with the lowest literacy will not ask for help. In Rochdale they are planning to use their Literacy Champions programme to provide support. Read more about Literacy Champions
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