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JoyAtWildTree

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JoyAtWildTree

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JoyAtWildTree

Structured Literacy:
Equity in Action

What it is

A structured literacy approach is a highly explicit and systematic way of teaching the important components of literacy. These components include both foundational skills (decoding, spelling, handwriting, and letter formation) and higher-level literacy skills (reading comprehension, written expression).

Structured literacy approaches provide clear steps for confident teaching. They explicitly teach strategies that benefit all students, but are essential for neurodiverse and dyslexic learners.

A Structured Literacy approach is:

Explicit

In structured literacy approaches instruction, the teacher explains each concept directly and clearly, providing guided practice. Lessons embody instructional routines, for example, quick practice drills to build fluency, or the use of fingers to tap out sounds before spelling words. The student applies each new concept to reading and writing words and text, under direct supervision of the teacher who gives immediate feedback and guidance. Students are not expected to discover or intuit language concepts simply from exposure to language or reading.

Systematic and cumulative

In a structured literacy approach, the teacher teaches language concepts systematically, explaining how each element fits into the whole. Concepts are taught in a planned sequence, from simple to more complex. Each step builds on what has come before. This creates sustainable change, not quick fixes — helping students apply language knowledge automatically and fluently when reading for meaning.

Hands-on, engaging, and multimodal

Methods often include hands-on learning such as moving tiles into sound boxes as words are analysed, using hand gestures to support memory for associations, building words with letter tiles, assembling sentences with words on cards, color-coding sentences in paragraphs, and so forth. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are often paired with one another to foster multimodal language learning.

Diagnostic and responsive


Instruction is adjusted based on student responses. Teachers observe carefully, monitor progress, and adapt pacing or practice as needed. This ensures teaching is responsive, not scripted, and meets learners where they are.

Who it's for

Structured literacy benefits every learner — from those who thrive with explicit instruction, to those who face barriers in literacy development. It is particularly powerful for students with dyslexia or other learning differences, ensuring equity and access to high-quality literacy instruction.

For teachers, structured literacy provides a framework that turns complexity into clarity. With the right support, it becomes not more to do — but better ways to do it.
Where it comes from: The Science of Reading.
Structured literacy is grounded in the Science of Reading — an interdisciplinary body of research spanning five decades and thousands of studies across multiple languages. This evidence explains how proficient reading and writing develop, why some learners struggle, and how assessment and teaching can improve outcomes for all.

How it aligns with Aotearoa's Curriculum: Te Mātaiaho


✅ Supports the Literacy & Communication Strategy – Ensures all students build strong foundations for success across the curriculum.

✅ Explicit, Systematic Teaching – Matches Te Mātaiaho’s focus on clear, structured learning progressions.

✅ Equity & Inclusion – Provides evidence-based approaches that serve every learner, aligning with NZC’s commitment to inclusive education.

Our role in supporting schools

At the heart of student success is strong teacher knowledge. That’s why our work with schools focuses on coaching that builds confidence in practice.

We don’t tell schools what to do — we walk alongside, not ahead. Through facilitation, modelling, and strengths-based coaching, we support teachers to connect research with classroom reality.

Our approach ensures sustainable change, not quick fixes. Teachers leave with strategies they can apply the next day, and schools build a consistent, research-based literacy approach that endures.

Because literacy is more than just a subject — equity is the lens, literacy is the focus.

📩 We warmly welcome your questions. Let’s connect people, practice, and purpose in your school.
Empowering Teachers, Transforming Learning

At the heart of student success is strong teacher knowledge. We provide expert professional development in Structured Literacy, equipping educators with the skills and strategies needed to drive whole-school change. Our approach ensures sustainable improvements in teaching practice, leading to better student learning outcomes and higher achievement across all levels. Let us support your school in building a consistent, research-based literacy approach that makes a lasting impact.
Please reach out – we warmly welcome any queries or questions.
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    1. International Dyslexia Association: Structured Literacy: Effective Instruction for Students with Dyslexia and Related Reading Difficulties.
    2. Defining Movement. (2021, February 21). The science of reading: A defining guide. Science of Reading Guide

 

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