Explicit & Systematic Teaching of Literacy

An explicit approach to literacy instruction involves:

• Review

• Introduction of new knowledge, skills, and concepts

• Modelling & deconstruction

• Guided practice

• Independent practice

• Monitoring of progress

• Cumulative review

• Opportunities to repeat the whole or part of the cycle

Systematic teaching involves:

• having a clear understanding of what skills need to be taught and when it is appropriate to teach particular skills

• using a teaching program based on on-going observations and assessment of each student’s literacy needs

• giving students opportunities to acquire, practise and apply knowledge and skills in a range of contexts.