How schools teach literacy

The word ‘literacy’ means different things depending on who is using it. Literacy refers to a wide range of skills and knowledge that allow the literate person to communicate, learn and take part in society.

Literacy in the early years

Literacy means the teaching and learning of:

  • oral language
  • reading and
  • writing.

Each of these aspects of literacy involves different skills and knowledge.

In the early years, oral language, reading and writing are taught both separately and together. Sometimes there are formal lessons that can be easily recognised as literacy learning.

At other times, literacy skills and knowledge are incorporated into games, singing and play activities. Students may not recognise these as literacy learning but they all play an important part in teaching the skills and knowledge needed to become literate.

The learning that occurs in other subject areas such as mathematics and science also includes aspects of literacy instruction that are specific to those subjects.

Learn more

Oral language

Learn about oral language and how children develop this skill at school.

See more
Reading

Discover how children learn to read at school.

See more
Writing

Find out how children learn to write and how it relates to oral language and reading.

See more

Featured resources

Search all resources

Literacy in the early years

Information for families

The word ‘literacy’ means different things depending on who is using it.

Show more

Structured synthetic phonics: a guide for teachers and parents

Information for families
Teacher guide

This guide for teachers and families explains the benefits of phonics as part of...

Show more

Guide to understanding learning difficulties

Information for families

An easy reference guide covering a range of topics, with information to help you...

Show more

When should a child be assessed for a learning difficulty?

Information for families

Information and advice for parents and caregivers concerned about their child's ...

Show more

How phonics is taught in school

Information for families

Learn more about how phonics is taught in schools and what you can do to support...

Show more

School and learning

Information for families

Advice, tips, games and activities for understanding how literacy is taught and ...

Show more

A guide to the literacy progressions for parents

Information for families

How families can use the literacy progressions to understand more about ways to ...

Show more

Literacy learning progressions

Information for families

How you can use the literacy progressions to see where your child might be up to...

Show more