ENGLISH

Literacy at Mandama

At Mandama Primary School the daily literacy block consists of a minimum of two hours of Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening. All students are catered for with an innovative program that extends and supports each student at their point of need. Literacy teaching extends to all other areas of the curriculum through the explicit teaching and understanding of topic specific vocabulary, grammar and spelling.

Reading

• Daily Independent reading that encompasses conferencing with students to conduct assessment and set individual goals.
• Whole class reading of a shared text to teach and model a pre-determined reading strategy with learning intentions explicitly stated and displayed.
• Small group work including Guided Reading, Strategy Groups, Reciprocal Reading and Literature Circles to work on reading strategies.
• Independent and shared learning tasks completed when the teacher is working with small focus groups or when conducting conferences.
• Reflection time to share and think about the learning that has occurred and how it helps us as readers.

Writing

• Whole class teaching and modelling of a pre-determined writing strategy with learning intentions explicitly stated and displayed.
• Small group teaching involving Guided, Interactive or Shared Writing – to work on specific strategies.
• Independent and shared writing tasks, when teacher is working with a small focus group or when conducting conferences.
• Individual conferencing for students daily to provide feedback and set goals.
• Explicit teaching of handwriting and letter formation in junior classes.
• Reflection time to share and think about the learning that has occurred, the purposes, and how it helps us as writers.
• Two writer's notebook sessions per week for developing stamina in writing which is used for assessment and goal setting.

Spelling and Grammar

• Whole class focus on spelling and grammar during reading and writing (learning intentions explicitly stated and displayed).
• Teachers modelling effective spelling strategies.
• Whole class and small group investigations and consolidation tasks to form generalisations about spelling patterns and grammatical rules.
• Stand alone mini-lessons as required
• Reflection and articulation of problem solving strategies.

Speaking and Listening 

• Students engage in regular oral language activities which promote shared turn taking, listening respectfully to others and build confidence to speak before an audience.
• Students regularly take part in class presentations and this is often completed verbally or through multimedia devices. 
• Higher year levels also participate in peer-to-peer, student to teacher and student-led parent teacher interviews. All of which assist in the development of higher order speaking and listening skills. 
• Grades 3-6 students also have a number public speaking opportunities including 'Student Voice' initiatives and leadership opportunities like assembly, cross country and athletics days etc. 
• Grade 5/6 students also have the opportunity to participate in debating competitions against other primary schools in the region. 

Library

Our library is a place where our students are encouraged to develop a life long love of reading.

• Each class has a weekly library session with Leah the Librarian. Prep students have one hour set aside and all other grades have half hour sessions. During these times they may be given book talks, read excerpts from books, introduced to new books and read picture story books. Quiet reading may be part of these sessions and new reading nooks are currently being prepared.
• The library is open during four lunch times of the week and during this time students can participate in a range of activities such as colouring or drawing, playing games like chess or UNO, reading and on Fridays ‘Rod the Chessman’ will help instruct and guide interested students. A Lego wall is also in planning.
• Each year the library coordinates the students for the Premiers’ Reading Challenge (PRC), Scholastic Book Club and National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS). The library also conducts a highly successful book fair and assists the running of the annual book parade, all activities to enhance and encourage a love of books and reading.

Mandama aims to promote a positive attitude towards literacy where the students
develop the ability to confidently read, write and converse.

Mandama Primary School

10 Corang Avenue Grovedale VIC 3216

tel: 03 5243 0820         fax: 03 5241 1093
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Email: mandama.ps@education.vic.gov.au