Evidence-based recommendations for teaching KS1 and 2 literacy
A new report from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) reviews the best available research to offer schools and teachers practical recommendations on what makes great literacy teaching. Improving Literacy in Key Stage Two follows the introduction of tougher tests last year which saw just over half (53%) of all pupils – and only a third (35%) of those from poorer homes – reach the expected standard in reading, writing and maths by the end of primary school.
According to the evidence summarised in the guidance report, primary school pupils’ writing skills – including spelling, handwriting and typing – need to become automatic so that they can concentrate on the content of their writing. But while the key to becoming a fluent writer is regular and extensive practice, teachers must make sure that children remain engaged and motivated in improving their writing.
This forms one of seven evidence-based recommendations in today’s report, designed to support schools to develop an effective literacy strategy for teaching seven to 11 year olds.
A second recommendation focuses on how schools can develop their pupils’ language skills by encouraging them to read books aloud and have conversations with their friends about the texts. It also suggests they should ensure the children are engaging with a wide variety of media, texts and topics.
The other five recommendations are focused on:
– improving reading fluency;
– improving reading comprehension through explicit teaching of strategies;
– improving writing composition through the explicit teaching of strategies;
– using diagnostic assessments to focus effort; and
– the effective use of high-quality targeted interventions.
To download the reports visit https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/resources/guidance-reports/