The Big Six of Literacy: a guide for families
Research has shown that there are six key components that contribute to successful beginning reading. Because of the importance of these components, they have become known as the 'Big Six’: oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. In the early years of schooling, literacy lessons will incorporate the Big Six.
Oral language
Learn about the importance of oral language.
Phonological awareness
Understand phonological awareness and how it contributes to reading success.
Phonics
Find out more about phonics.
Vocabulary
Understand how vocabulary contributes to reading success.
Fluency
Find out more about fluency.
Comprehension
Discover strategies to help with comprehension at home.
Further reading
Cairney, T. (28 November, 2020). Literacy families and learning. Blogspot http://trevorcairney.blogspot.com/
Anderson, R., Hiebert, E., Scott, J. & Wilkinson, L. (1985). Becoming a nation of readers: The Report of the Commission on Reading. US Department of Education
Hayes, D. P. & Ahrens, M. G. (1988). ‘Vocabulary simplification for children: A special case of “motherese?”’. Journal of Child Language, 15: 395–410