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Programme

Better Start Literacy Approach

01 December 2023

The Better Start Literacy Approach is an integrated classroom literacy programme for Years 0-8. The approach is based on years of research trials investigating the most efficient, effective methods to support success in children’s reading, spelling, writing, and oral language development. 

HOW TO APPLY

The Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) is a structured, evidence-based programme designed to build strong foundations in early literacy. It supports young learners by systematically teaching:

  • Phonics and phonological awareness

  • Morphology and orthographic patterns

  • Spelling and writing through explicit instruction

  • Oral language, vocabulary, and listening comprehension

  • Reading comprehension and narrative skills

Children engage in fun, interactive games and small-group reading sessions using a variety of accessible texts — including Ready to Read – Phonics Plus, Junior and School Journals, and the Connect series.

This approach follows a clear scope and sequence, aligned with Phases 1–3 of Te Mātaiaho in the English Learning Area. It integrates both whole-class and targeted small-group instruction.

The BSLA incorporates carefully designed monitoring assessments focused on critical skills known to influence reading success. This includes letter-sound knowledge, phonological awareness, oral language, listening comprehension, word reading and spelling, reading comprehension and connected text tasks, specifically designed to monitor children’s literacy growth, and provide specific direction for teaching at the class and individual level.

 

BSLA for teachers and literacy leads

There are three tailored learning options available for teachers and literacy leads wishing to implement the BSLA in their school:

Years 0-3
Class teachers

Suitable for teachers working with learners in Phase 1 of the ELA curriculum.
(year 0-3 learners)

 

 

 

Years 4-8
Class teachers

Suitable for teachers working with learners in Phases 2 or 3 of the ELA curriculum.
(year 4-8 learners)

 

 

 

Years 0-8
Literacy leadership 

Suitable for roles with responsibility for literacy leadership and literacy support within or across schools.

(RTLits, RTLBs, literacy leads, SENCOs, LSCs, APs, DPs or principals)

All options provide high quality PLD in structured literacy teaching and assessment practices and allow us to focus the communities of practice to better meet your needs. Those who choose the literacy leadership option will learn additional skills in supporting the sustainability of structured literacy teaching with high fidelity in their school and knowledge of how to notice, recognise and respond to learners with greater literacy learning needs.

 

Funding

Ministry of Education funding is available for literacy leads and teachers to complete the BSLA courses. 

 

Enrolment

Once MOE funding is confirmed, every teacher and literacy lead must complete their own enrolment in the course using the link provided by email. 

For more information, contact: askBSLA@canterbury.ac.nz


BSLA for teacher aides

Schools may also choose to enrol their teacher aides in our BSLA Teacher Aide course. This course provides all the knowledge required to support the assessment and implementation of the Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) in junior school classrooms.

Teacher aides must be partnered with a teacher who is currently enrolled in (or has previously completed) the BSLA teacher course, and this must be declared at the time of enrolment.

The BSLA teacher aide course is an outstanding professional learning opportunity for teacher aides that will provide them with the tools needed to support class teachers implementing the BSLA.

The cost is currently $339.20 per person (includes course fee, access to all BSLA online resources, lesson plans, game activities, and assessments). Please note this fee does not cover the cost of a resource kete or oral language transcription and analysis for additional students beyond those allocated to the funded teacher/s the teacher aide is partnered with.

 

Enrolment

For more information, contact: askBSLATA@canterbury.ac.nz


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