Literacy and Learning in Taumanu

For our youngest learners, literacy is all about communication. By using visuals throughout our classroom, we help our students express their needs, make choices, and start exploring how language works in functional ways.

One of our favourite tools for building literacy skills is Colourful Semantics. This approach helps our students learn how sentences are structured. At this young age, we focus on simple prompts like "who?" "what?" and "what doing?" using photos from prior learning or exciting events. Connecting these moments to their learning makes our story writing meaningful.

We also incorporate a Core Word of the Week into our programme. Each week, we focus on one key word, weaving it into activities throughout the day. This gives our students plenty of time to hear, see, sign, and practice the word in natural contexts. Through consistent modeling, our AAC learners are using core words to communicate independently and successfully.

With visuals, songs, play, assistive technology, and a mixture of different learning approaches, our class is exploring literacy with enthusiasm. It’s incredible to see our students expressing themselves and making progress every single day!