WELCOME

This website shares learning from our Literacy Project and continues to serve as a resource for educators, leaders, and anyone interested in strengthening literacy practice.

It explains the Science of Learning and the Science of Reading, drawing on neuroscience research into how children acquire literacy skills and exploring the practical classroom application of this knowledge.

Through the materials on this site, you can:

• deepen your understanding of key Science of Reading terminology, frameworks, and research evidence

• explore practical strategies and examples that translate research into classroom practice

• reflect on literacy approaches within your own setting

• consider how literacy teaching, assessment, and resourcing align with current evidence

Across Aotearoa New Zealand, concerns about declining literacy achievement have prompted renewed focus on evidence-informed practice. The Science of Reading provides clear guidance about how reading, writing, and spelling develop — and what needs to be explicitly taught.

This website invites you to consider important questions such as:

• If we shift towards evidence-based literacy approaches, what changes might we need to make?

• Which elements of reading and writing/spelling should we explicitly teach?

• What should we assess and track to ensure progress?

• How do we align classroom practice with what research tells us about how the brain learns to read?

Whether you are beginning your journey or refining existing practice, we hope this resource supports thoughtful, informed decision-making grounded in research and responsive to the needs of learners.

The Project Website will explain the Science of Learning and the Science of Reading approaches, following neuroscience research into how we acquire literacy skills and the practical application of this knowledge.