P-2 Literacy Learning

A Structured Synthetic Phonics Approach in Literacy

At Frankston Primary School our junior school literacy learning begins with a very important focus on structured synthetic phonics – research consistently supports Synthetic Phonics, with its strong code emphasis, as the most effective method of literacy instruction for supporting reading and writing literacy.
In a Synthetic Phonics approach to teaching phonics, students are taught that sounds are represented by letters (PART) and that letter sounds can be blended together (or synthesised) to form words (WHOLE).

Key features of our Structured Synthetic Phonics literacy learning include:

1. A Multi-Sensory Learning approach – multi-sensory learning activities are based on whole-brain learning, which is the belief that the best way to teach concepts is by involving multiple areas in the brain. By adding auditory, visual or kinaesthetic activities to reading and learning learning, it helps our students develop stronger literacy skills for reading and spelling.
2. A Structured Incremental Learning approach – concepts are taught in a logical, well-planned sequence building upon the previous lesson supporting high level student learning.
3. Cumulative Learning – student learning is supported through constant multiple exposures of concepts to reinforce and embed student learning.
4. Individualised – the unique learning needs of each student is met through high teacher-student interaction and monitoring of learning.
5. Based on Phonograms – synthetic phonics teaches students through a ‘science of reading’ approach, explicitly teaching students the skills and knowledge to break the ‘English alphabetic code’.
6. Explicit Teaching – students are taught exactly what they need to know in a direct, straight forward manner.