Factors that help children learn to read
Aim: To identify factors that influence childrens success in reading in the later stages of Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3, and to recognise and deploy strategies for maximising that success.
The Evidence People
Literacy/English
Can creative projects improve the language and literacy skills of our pupils?
Aim: The aims of this project were to improve the language and literacy skills of our pupils both written and verbal, extend pupils vocabulary, introduce pupils to a different way of learning, improve pupils confidence and self esteem and provide pupils with positive role models.
Use of drama and story telling techniques to improve writing at KS2, with an emphasis on boys' achievement
Aim: To investigate strategies for helping KS2 pupils, particularly boys, to overcome barriers to writing. In particular to explore whether:
Using drama and storytelling techniques can enable pupils to bridge the gap between what is spoken and what is written;
A range of oral communications skills including persuasion, description and narrative can be transferred to the written form through shared and tiered writing sessions; and
The existing influence of T.V. and video viewing can promote the transfer visual images into the pupils writing.
Effective teaching to raise boys' literacy learning and achievement
Aim: The research aimed to find out whether and how oral, interactive approaches to literacy might engage underachieving Year Four and Year Five boys in school literacy learning within the context of whole class teaching.
Exercise for learning
Aim:
To introduce the INPP daily exercise programme and to assess whether it had an impact upon reading.
To train support staff to implement the daily programme.
To inform and involve parents in the project.
An Examination into the Effectiveness of Different Reading Strategies at Key Stage 3
Aim: To investigate the teaching of reading in a secondary school by changing the practice of daily silent reading to paired support reading.
Using role-play to improve nursery children's language
Aim: To find the best ways of using role-play to improve nursery childrens language.
History Mysteries: History, Literacy and ICT at Key Stages 1 and 2
Aim: The aim of this project was to investigate whether effective reading by children and enactment of the stories would improve and sustain childrens writing and their learning of history.This action research project involved a mixed ability Year 4 class of 28 children. The research was in two phases. In the second phase, the year 4 children worked with all the children in year 2. The class teacher, who was the history coordinator, was supported by a teaching assistant and other staff in the school. Parents joined in with some of the activities.
The Effectiveness of Teachers' Use of Non-literal Language in the Classroom
Aim: To raise teachers awareness of their use of non-literal language such as simile, metaphor and idiom, and to develop their ability to ensure pupils understanding of it.
Improving written vocabulary through paired spelling
Aim: To investigate paired spelling as a means of improving written vocabulary.