A comprehensive literacy session runs every day at Whanganui City College. This is an exciting programme that covers all areas of literacy for our learners with complex needs and includes shared and independent reading, alphabet and shared and independent writing. This is an evidence based programme introduced and overseen by our Speech and Language Therapist, Karen Forrest. Karen has mentored and coached the staff who now run this programme independently. This literacy programmes takes place two hours every day from 9-11 and is a highlight for both our learners and staff.

PODD books are used throughout the sessions and are modelled by staff. This enables all students to have a voice and to respond to the literacy activities. 

Our Comprehensive Literacy Programme follows a regular routine that includes:

• Sign in
• Morning Message
• Shared Story
• Predictable Chart Writing
• Alphabet Work 
• Independent Writing
• Independent Reading. 

Sign in - All students sign into the programme using either a pencil or an alternative pencil. Once they have signed in the adults models how they would write the students names. 

Morning message - The adult models  writing a sentence preferable using an alternative pencil. This is a great way of modeling the writing process. 

Shared story -  A shared story is carefully selected to be age appropriate and motivating. Students are encouraged to participate throughout the shared story. 

Predictable chart writing - We use predictable chart writing chart to give our learners a writing model that reflects their own voice. Adults use carry over phrases and the learners personalise their own sentence. This is repeated in a variety of ways during the week and then printed out  and made into a book that learners can reread.

Alphabet work - We focus on a letter a day which means our learners are exposed to at least cycles of the alphabet per year in order to achieve repetition with variety. We learn letter names, letter sounds, finding letters in text as well as in the room and students also have the chance to practice writing the letter each day.   Age appropriate Song and alphabet books are used to reinforce learning.

Independent Writing - Learners  create writing based on self selected photographs. They select their letters for writing using alternate pencils  and use their own voice to express themselves. Adults model after students using the child's alternative pencil. This is a fun and positive experience that reinforces and values the learners contributions.

Independent Reading - The students select their own choice of books which they can share with the adults. This is completely student lead. Electronic books are selected by some students while others prefer books they can handle and turn pages.