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A balanced literature program incorporates all forms of communication. We focus on teaching strategies and providing many opportunities to use these strategies. The following provides a brief outline of our programs and opportunities provided in reading, speaking, writing and listening.
You will already be aware of the importance of learning how to read. Coolum State School has a variety of programs that develop students' abilities in symbol recognition, assimilation of written symbols, integration and interpretation of meaning, retention, recall and comprehension.
Reading Strategies:
- Sounding out (Phonics, Soundwaves)
- Approximations
- Reading on, reading back
- Picture clues
- Meaning clues
- Factual comprehension
- Inferential comprehension
- Reading for pleasure
- reading for information
Reading Opportunities:
- Guided reading
- Shared reading
- Peer reading
- Novice buddy reading
- Expert buddy reading
- Silent reading
- Readers' Theatre
- Home Reader Program
- Class libraries
- School library
- # Book Week
- # Book Reviewer of the Year
- # Premier's Reading Challenge
Speaking:
Speaking is the quickest, most direst and flexible method of communicating. Although our children learn to speak from birth, Coolum State School plays an important role in developing and enhancing the students' speaking skills.
Students complete an amazing journey through our communication program, which has been specifically designed to develop their spoken vocabulary and speaking skills such as diction, pronunciation, pitch, intonation, rate, volume, variety, sequencing, posture, eye contact, audience awareness, facial and vocal expression and gestures. As well as improving the speaking skills of our students, our program focuses on providing students with many opportunities to practise their speaking skills and develop self confidence in this vital area of communication.
Speaking Opportunities:
- Show and tell
- Class discussions
- Social interaction
- Carrying messages
- Class lecturettes
- Claymation/animation presentations
- Oral reports
- Debates
- Public speaking
- Interviews
- Meetings
- Conflict mediation and negotiation
- Telephone conversations
- Multimedia presentations
- Teleconferencing
- Parade items
- Discos
- Choir
- Arts Expo presentations
- Junior and Senior Verse Speaking Eisteddfods
Writing
When face to face communication is impractical, written communication increases in importance. At Coolum State School, all aspects of written communication are taught and enhanced throughout the students' education.
Writing Skills:
- Handwriting (printing and script)
- Grammar knowledge
- punctuation knowledge
- Editing and proof reading skills
- Genre writing
- Vocabulary extension (word building, dictionary and thesaurus skills, derivations)
- Keyboarding skills
Writing Opportunities
- Letter writing
- Buddy emails
- Class newsletters
- Script writing
- Class foyer display
- Class newsletter item
- Writers' Decathlon
- Nestle Write Around Australia Competition
- Rolling Poem Competition
- Author Visits
- Forums, Blogs and Chats (within the secure Education Queensland 'Learning Place' Internet environment)
Listening
Listening, as well as speaking, is an important skill in the communication process. We need to listen to what is being said and respond to the meaning of what we hear, gradually building up a shared understanding. At Coolum State School, we help our students develop effective listening skills.
Listening Skills:
- Concentration
- Tolerance
- Minimising distractions
- Deciphering message meaning
- Understanding of bias
- Observation of verbal and nonverbal cueing
- Active involvement in the listening process
- Evaluation and analysis
Listening Opportunities:
- Parade items
- Band presentations
- Peer reading
- Buddy reading
- Storytime
- Short listed book readings
- Library lessons
- Guest speakers
- Taped stories / Listening posts
- Video, CD, DVD presentations
- Radio and television presentations
- Curriculum software and interactive learning objects
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