BSLA

The Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) integrates seamlessly into New Zealand's early years education by providing evidence-based strategies that align with the national curriculum. It supports foundational literacy development through explicit instruction in phonics, vocabulary, and oral language, ensuring children build the skills necessary for reading success.

 

One way we support your child to develop their reading, writing, and oral language skills at Hobsonville Point Primary School is through this approach. BSLA has been designed and researched by the University of Canterbury and is supported by the Ministry of Education. This initiative aligns with our current learning design at HPPS and draws upon international and national research. Our teachers are currently training in the BSLA approach through a micro-credential at the University of Canterbury.  

 

The term ‘Structured Literacy’ does not refer to a particular approach or programme, but covers a range of research-based approaches that incorporate explicit, systematic teaching that focuses on developing the skills critical to a child’s literacy development. The strategies used in BSLA are culturally responsive, strengths based and proven to effectively support a child’s reading, writing, and oral language development. 

 

Your child will bring home a range of reading materials which may include sounds and words to practise, as well as sentences and books to read. This will come home in your child’s book bag and may be in their clear file. A key difference you will notice is that your child will bring home the same book for a couple of days across a week. This is to support your child to practice the targeted sounds and words and to develop their reading fluency. 

​

When you are reading/supporting your child at home there is information for parents on how to help in the back of the Ready to Read Phonics Plus books. The video below is for parents and the lead researchers of BSLA elaborate on the teaching notes in the back of the book. These researchers have also developed a free course at an introductory level that is suitable for interested parents called A Better Start to Reading. This course is designed to support parents to learn how to share stories with children in ways that develop their phoneme awareness and vocabulary skills. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

Please talk to your child’s teacher for further information on how BSLA works in your child's common. We are excited to partner with your child on their journey to becoming a confident reader.