The reading approaches and strategies that worked

In the links below we share the narratives of nine schools. Some share developments to improve reading achievement for children in all year levels. Other schools made improvements in specific year levels. The list below shows the year levels each school focused on improving.

In most of the narratives we have included internet links to further explain the strategies the teachers have used.

01 Implementing a variety of research-based strategies and approaches to improve reading

WOODLEIGH SCHOOL TARANAKI

Whole school development

  • Literacy leader
  • Developments related to ALL
  • Extending new reading strategies
  • Impacts for children

02 Responsive programmes to help readers’ engagement and success 

BLEDISLOE SCHOOL HAWKES BAY

 Two syndicates

  • Improving phonological awareness Years 1 and 2
  • Reading engagement and comprehension in Years 5 and 6

03 Using mixed-ability reading groups to improve achievement for reluctant readers

WOODEND SCHOOL CHRISTCHURCH

Years 5 and 6

  • Identifying and monitoring achievement and progress
  • Mixed ability reading groups

04 Improving children’s reading comprehension

ROSCOMMON SCHOOL AUCKLAND 

Years 5 and 6

  • Reading lesson content
  • Reading assessment development

05 Board-funded initiatives to support reading success

RICHMOND SCHOOL NELSON 

All Year levels 

  • Developing foundation skills
  • A deliberate focus on information skills
  • A programme that engaged reluctant readers in Years 5 and 6
  • Monitoring impacts of the funding

06 Using a variety of approaches to improve reading at different year levels

MILSON SCHOOL MANAWATU

All Year Levels

  • An accelerated reading programme for Years 1 to 3 children
  • In-class intervention for Year 4 to 6 children

07 Working collaboratively to improve children’s reading as they transition to school

SELWYN RIDGE SCHOOL BAY OF PLENTY

Year 1

  • Transition and working with parents
  • Increasing the urgency for children to progress

08 Ensuring more children achieve success when initially learning to read

HOKOWHITU SCHOOL MANAWATU

Year 1

  • Planning for the developments
  • Establishing and monitoring the expectations

09 Using the library to engage readers

TAMAHERE SCHOOL WAIKATO

All Year levels

  • Support with selecting books
  • Summer reading

10 Two other reading approaches

  • Online book club
  • Community volunteers helping children to read