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English and Literacy
The Framework for Literacy and Mathematics supports and guides the teaching of Literacy in Primary schools in England. The Primary National Strategy builds on both the Literacy and Numeracy Strategies and puts them in a wider, whole-school framework. The National Literacy Strategy and the framework that it introduced (Literacy Hour) still determine Literacy teaching in schools, but as part of the Primary Strategy.
In 2003 a new document, 'Speaking, listening, learning: Working with children in Key Stage1 and Key Stage 2' was introduced which sets out termly learning objectives in speaking and listening.
How to Take This Forward
- Consult the Primary Literacy Consultant at your Local Authority(LA). Many LAs have literacy lead teachers or demonstration teachers who may be able to work with you.
- Contact the Literacy co-ordinator in your local school.
- Encourage schools to take Literacy Hour into the museum.
A museum visit can provide lots of opportunities to develop literacy skills, which could include:
- recording thoughts and impressions to form the basis for creative writing later
- taking part in a workshop session (an obvious opportunity for speaking and listening)
- collecting information to write labels or panels or a guide book for an exhibition will incorporate reading and writing and can be combined with work on History, Art, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Music and Drama.
An important aspect of the literacy hour is the use of 'Big books', teaching aids based on texts that can be seen by the whole class. Bring the books to life by matching them to objects from your collections.
Downloads
Literacy Session Plan – Mask (Brighton Museums and Galleries. Word DOC, 23Kb)
Rachel's Washday Case Study History and Literacy (Banbury Museum. Word DOC, 36Kb)
Planning a Literacy Session (Jenny Hastings. Word DOC, 36Kb)
Museums, Libraries and Archives South East (MLA South East ) Case Study Learning How (Roald Dahl Museum).
(MLA South East) case study Write on Fareham (Westbury Manor Museum).
Useful Websites
All the links below will open in a new window. Close that new window to return here.
National Curriculum website for details of the English Curriculum.
Surrey Museums Consultative Committee for Literacy Activities Using Museum Objects.
Chatham Historic Dockyard for details of their Living Literacy Days.
Weald and Downland Open Air Museum have worked with Education in Theatre groups to provide sessions aimed at KS2/3 to support Shakespeare. The Weald and Downland also demonstrate how a museum visit can support English.
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre works with pupils from Year 3 to Year 7 to find pleasure in reading and writing creatively.
Department for Children, Schools and Families Standards site for more information on Literacy.
Department for Children, Schools and Families Standards site for more about the Primary framework for literacy and mathematics.