Stand-alone literacy programs

Stand-alone literacy programs

Essential readings
Fellowes and Oakley (2014) Chapter 26: Planning for language and literacy (pp. 605-621).

The final type of literacy program we will cover is a stand-alone literacy program. Fellowes & Oakely (2014) describe stand-alone literacy programs as those that are devised in isolation from other learning areas … where the goals for listening, speaking, reading, writing, creating and viewing are exclusively addressed … and developed (p. 617). It is suggested by Fellowes & Oakely that these types of literacy program are more likely to provide many layers of learning that intend to address the different literacy ability levels and needs evident in a typical classroom. Stand-alone literacy programs are often organised into a daily block of continuous time, dedicated to exclusively address outcomes for specific areas of literacy (reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing).

There are many different types of stand-alone literacy programs that are used in Australian schools to develop literacy skills. While these programs can vary significantly in their delivery method and pedagogical rationale, they are similar in the way that they are taught in a specific literacy block or session, often at the same time every day. Each of these programs have varying success rates in raising student literacy, so it is essential that a teacher investigates and maps the stand-alone literacy program to the explicit needs of their student cohort.

The ALNF’s Early Language & Literacy Program – Kempsey Region NSW

Integrated literacy programs

Integrated literacy programs plan for children’s learning that combines two or more areas of the curriculum whereby learning occurs within and across learning areas (Fellowes & Oakely, 2014, p. 616). On page 616 of your eText, there is an example where a teacher transforms their classroom into an aquarium, where students participate in a variety of learning experiences that help to develop and acquire literacy knowledge and skills.

The integrated approach when developing literacy programs can work across a range of age groups and ‘encourages student engagement, makes the learning meaningful and ensures that the learning is respectful of each student’s age’ (Australian Curriculum, 2018).