Spotlight on Noctua Reading Group
Posted 3rd September 2024
Keynote by Mary Myatt: Elevating Standards with Challenging Texts
The meeting was headlined by a captivating keynote from Mary Myatt, who shared her expertise on using challenging texts to boost reading and writing standards. Her key points included:
- Extended Access: Schools will gain three months' access to Mary Myatt's comprehensive collection of texts and resources.
- Beyond Literacy Lessons: Integrating literacy texts into various curriculum areas enhances vocabulary and knowledge. The University of Sussex’s ‘Faster Read’ programme is a prime example of this approach.
- Listening and Learning: Children don’t always need to decode words, hearing them is sometimes enough for them to use in context. Approximately eight exposures required for new vocabulary to stick.
- Teacher Resources: A treasure trove of adaptable resources, including texts, planning guides and example lessons.
- Rich Vocabulary: High-quality texts enrich subjects beyond literacy, such as science and history.
- Exemplary Text: “On the Origin of Species: A Picture Book Adaptation” by Sabina Radeva, a superb resource directly linked to the KS2 Science curriculum.
Mary Myatt Resources
Mary Myatt's resources are priced at £700 for smaller schools (with discounts for larger groups or MATs) and include:
- Unit Plans and Knowledge Organisers: Detailed guides to support structured learning.
- Key Questions and Concepts: Tools to stimulate critical thinking.
- Building on Prior Knowledge: Strategies to connect new information with previously learned material.
- Comprehensive CPD Support: Online support to enhance teacher development and rekindle their passion for teaching.
These resources promise to transform teaching methodologies, moving away from basic worksheets and igniting a love for teaching and planning. Noteworthy examples include “Empire’s End” for Roman history and materials for KS1 and KS2, with plans to extend to EYFS.
The Faster Read
The Faster Read, implemented with 400 Year 8 students, showcased remarkable results:
- 12-Week Programme: Intensive reading sessions with texts above the usual reading level.
- Impressive Progress: Students advanced an average of 8.5 months in Reading Age, with the poorest readers showing up to 18 months of progress.
- Positive Feedback: Both students and teachers expressed surprise and satisfaction with the engaging and challenging material.
Primary Study by Gale Fletcher
A 12-week pilot led by Gale Fletcher in Cheltenham targeted children from high deprivation backgrounds:
- Year 2: 90% showed six months of progress.
- Year 4: 80% showed six months of progress.
- Outstanding Achievement: Some students were reading at a secondary level by the pilot's end.
Practical Classroom Implementation
During the meeting, several key questions were addressed regarding the practical application of these resources in the classroom:
- Reading Aloud: Engaging students with multiple readings of the text.
- Interactive Discussions: Fostering curiosity and class discussions.
- Technology Integration: Using IWBs and visualisers to share texts.
- Core and Supplementary Texts: Choosing a primary text with complementary materials.
- Assessment: Incorporating low-stakes quizzes and extended writing tasks.
Selecting Suitable Texts
Teachers were provided with guidelines to select appropriate texts:
- Visual Appeal: Texts should be visually engaging.
- Appropriate Tone: Avoid patronising or oversimplifying content.
- Rich Vocabulary: Texts should introduce and reinforce new vocabulary.
Literacy vs. Foundation Subject Development
This initiative is purposefully designed to develop knowledge across various subjects, not just literacy. By mapping texts to the Programme of Study (PoS) for each area, we ensure a balanced approach that enhances literacy standards indirectly.
Next Steps: Actions for Schools
The meeting concluded with actionable steps for schools:
- Curriculum Evaluation: Assess and adapt curriculum provisions.
- Resource Sharing: Utilise the best books and materials across subjects.
- Explore Resources: Delve into Mary Myatt’s resources and supporting materials.
- Future Meetings: Plan a follow-up meeting in September with a focus on science.
- School Development Plans: Consider targeting foundational texts to underpin science teaching.
- Text Purchases: Plan to acquire high-quality texts for school use.
Useful Links
Case Study: The Faster Read Programme
Curriculum Conversations by Mary Myatt
Faster Read Project by Sussex University
Just Reading Project by Myatt & Co
The Noctua Reading Working Group's preliminary meeting set a clear vision for the future, with a commitment to enriching our curriculum and enhancing student outcomes through high-quality texts and innovative teaching strategies. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with this transformative initiative.