Initialit is part of our Literacy session each day in K-2. InitiaLit is an evidence-based whole-class literacy program providing all children with the essential core knowledge and strong foundations to become successful readers and writers. InitiaLit is a three-year program, covering the first three years of school (Foundation to Year 2).

Initialit is implemented across four terms, InitiaLit–Foundation (Kindergarten) offers an explicit and effective model for teaching reading and related skills to children in their first year of school in a fun and engaging way.

InitiaLit–F focuses on two main components:

1. Phonics, to systematically and explicitly teach the basic alphabetic code in a set sequence. In addition to learning letter-sound correspondences and how these are applied to reading and spelling, children will be introduced to common morphemes and simple grammatical concepts.
2. Vocabulary, oral language and listening comprehension through quality children’s literature. Detailed lessons, including writing tasks, are provided for each of the storybook titles selected for use with the program.

InitiaLit-F program structure

The program is designed to be delivered in a 90-minute instruction block (ideally uninterrupted, but this can be broken up if timetabling requires). This will include:

• 20-25 minutes of whole-class teaching (ideally four times per week) using a detailed scripted lesson plan.
• 30-45 minutes of further literacy work (these are activities to consolidate the teaching, either completed independently or with a class aide/volunteer while the teacher works with groups on reading and wordbuilding).
• 15-20 minutes for a Storybook session. This literature component provides opportunities to develop oral language, vocabulary and comprehension, with one storybook used as a focus over four sessions.
• Regular progress monitoring using curriculum-based assessments (CBA) to identify needs of children.

Activities for you and you family

• Read to your child as much as possible.
• Encourage your child to make up stories.
• Identify letters in their name.
• Attempt to rhyme.
• Identify the first, middle and last part/sound of words.