Early Literacy Programmes working
12 May 2008
Teachers ‘surprised by the joy’ shown by children as they mastered phonic skills
Research published by the Institute of Education shows that children who receive ‘Reading Recovery’ support through the Every Child a Reader (ECaR) programme are getting higher than average results for their age.
Evaluation of the ECaR programme, for children aged 5 to 6 who are struggling to learn to read, found that children taking part are approximately one year ahead of children in schools where the programme is not available. Researchers also found that the often noticeable gender gap between low achieving boys and girls was not evident in schools where the programme was run.
A second survey, by Ofsted, shows that children are enjoying regular phonic lessons and gaining satisfaction from putting their learning into practice. Teachers were described as ‘surprised by the joy’ shown by children as they mastered phonic skills.
The Government have pledged that 30,000 children struggling with basic literacy will receive intensive support through ECaR by 2010-11. Schools Minister, Andrew Adonis said: “It’s really good news that the Every Child a Reader programme is having such a positive impact, especially in raising standards in boys’ reading.”
Jim Rose, who led the Rose review into early reading said: “This report is a testimony to a high quality professional response to phonic work from teachers who are clearly determined to equip all children with the key skills of reading. It is particularly gratifying to see that children’s good progress and achievement are matched to their enjoyment and pride in learning to read.”
