Literacy Schemes

[Guest]

We are a through primary and for numeracy planning the whole school use the abacus scheme which caters for foundation. Our literacy co-ordinator is keen to use a similiar acheme for literacy which also caters for reception. Does anyone or has anyone ever used a scheme for literacy?

 

Lola

[catma]

not really, I reckon the fs guidance creates a pretty comprehensive framework for any subject. We have to think how we will deliver it, which is what a scheme would do for you I suppose, but personally I like that freedom to be creative which the other key stages have lost through endless repetitious QCA units! I did rate the Rigby star books for reading (mainly because the handy adult crib sheets helped my LSAs with group reading activities!). I've had complaints about abacus from a couple of the teachers I work with, who reckon it's too highly pitched for their children, so would be interested in your opinion re that.

[Susan]

Hi Catma, you can look at Abacus via hamiltontrust.org.uk.

Personally I think its better than most and is useful to have something to follow and adapt (which is how I used it) to ensure coverage! The Foundation programme which comes in 2 parts FS1 & FS2 is also better than the original Reception year stuff, and allows you to differentiate more extensively, if required.

 

I too like the Rigby starr scheme.

 

I havent used a literacy scheme but have you thought about " Literacy goes MADD"--quite expensive but covers literacy through music, art , dance and drama. It was on my shopping list when I was Literacy coordinator but always too expensive!

[catma]

i suspect they had the Yr R version then - will check it out further. Ta!

[Guest]

We used to use the Year R version and like you, we felt it was too highly pitched. We have recently invested in the foundation stage version which is much better

 

Lola