Play-Based Learning & Structured Literacy: Co-Existing in the Primary Classroom

This two-part webinar supports teachers implementing a Structured Literacy approach to provide literacy rich play environments focused on ensuring child-led learning alongside the goals of the classroom literacy program. The intent of the webinar is to explore ways that learning through play can enrich literacy outcomes for all learners, alongside explicit literacy teaching, and to understand that teaching literacy is not an either/or approach – but a combination of explicit and responsive teaching strategies.

During this webinar, we will cover:

• The importance of engagement and how students’ view their own ability as literacy learners
• Discussion about the Evolving Systems Model
• The place of Structured Literacy and Literacy in Play across the continuum of teaching methodology
• The role of the teacher in promoting rich literacy learning opportunities
• The importance of the environment as the third teacher
• Examples of literacy in play and the opportunities to respond to these to support further literacy development
• A special focus on oral language
• Reading and play – how reading can be supported through child-led play experiences
• Encouraging independent reading and writing – how this can be supported with play
• Writing and play – the need for purpose and real-world learning experiences that grow identity as a writer
• Valuing all types of writing and the developmental stages of writing
• Practical examples of literacy in play and teacher responses

Duration and Format: 2 x 2 hour sessions in an on-demand pre-recorded format

Suitable for: Primary school classroom teachers, team leaders, senior leadership and itinerant teachers supporting the development of literacy and play based learning across the school sector.