English

In order for your child to meet the Reading and Writing demands of the New Zealand Curriculum we have provided some information that may assist you to help your child at home . . . .

Spelling

We have moved away from the essential spelling words and are using a new spelling and phonics programme in classes, called  The Code. However if parents/ students wish to they can use the words below in the traditional way. We will update this section as well work through the programme in 2022.

Hand Writing

In primary schools, the aim of teaching handwriting is to teach each child to write legibly, fluently, without strain, and with sufficient speed for all practical purposes. The main stages in teaching handwriting at primary school generally are:

• Teaching grip, letter shapes and movements,
• Increasing speed and endurance without loss of quality.

Two important elements of handwriting when children start school is movement and shape.  “It is not the shapes of letters which is of first importance when teaching handwriting.  The prime lesson to be learnt is the way in which the pencil should be moved to form the letters. Below is a link to our Casey the Caterpillar Handwriting Programme.

Each letter in the English alphabet can be simplified into a few basic shapes. These shapes have been named by Barbara Brann as Casey Shapes. In this video the shapes are combined in order to form the letters of the alphabet.

Writing

Writing Family of Eight

This is a copy of the Family of Eight that we use to analyse and assess student writing.  These writing targets  will give you an indication of the sorts of learning that will be occurring for your child, in writing, as they progress through their schooling.

Writing activities that will help with writing mileage and keeping in practice are listed below: 

Reading

 We have included some Reading Targets .  These reading targets will give you an indication of the sorts of learning that will be occurring for your child, in reading, as they progress through their schooling.

Reading options that will help with reading mileage and keeping in practice are listed below: