Hereworth is proud to be an early adopter of a Structured Literacy approach to teaching reading and writing, based on evidence from the Science of Reading. We have been on this journey for three years, and our staff have undergone extensive professional development to attain the skills necessary for teaching using this approach.

By implementing Structured Literacy, we ensure that our students receive systematic, explicit, and diagnostic instruction that builds a strong foundation in literacy skills. This method is particularly effective for all learners, especially those with reading difficulties such as dyslexia. Our commitment to this evidence-based approach demonstrates our dedication to providing the best possible education for our students.

Structured Literacy emphasizes the importance of teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, syllable structure, morphology, syntax, and semantics in a systematic and cumulative manner. This comprehensive approach not only improves decoding and spelling skills but also enhances reading comprehension and overall language proficiency.

As we continue to refine and develop our Structured Literacy program, we look forward to seeing continued improvements in our students' literacy outcomes and overall academic success.

Benefits of Structured Literacy 

Systematic Progression: Structured Literacy follows a logical sequence, ensuring that students build a strong foundation before moving on to more complex concepts. This step-by-step approach helps prevent gaps in knowledge.

Explicit Instruction: Clear, direct teaching of reading and writing skills leaves little room for confusion, making it easier for students to understand and apply what they have learned.

Individualized Support: The diagnostic nature of Structured Literacy means that instruction is tailored to each student's needs. Continuous assessment allows teachers to identify and address specific areas of difficulty.

Enhanced Phonemic Awareness: By focusing on the sounds of language and their corresponding letters, students develop strong phonemic awareness, which is crucial for reading and spelling.

Improved Decoding and Encoding: Teaching the relationship between sounds and letters helps students decode (read) and encode (spell) words more accurately. This is particularly beneficial for struggling readers.

Understanding Word Structure: Instruction in morphology, including prefixes, suffixes, and root words, helps students understand the structure and meaning of words. This knowledge aids in vocabulary development and comprehension.