Before • During • After
Activate prior knowledge before reading. Identify important information during reading. Afterward, summarise, question or apply what was learned.
Make literacy part of every subject.
Learners read instructions, interpret maps, explain processes, analyse sources and communicate evidence across the curriculum.
Teach words in context
Select key subject vocabulary and use it repeatedly. Define terms, use them in sentences and connect them to examples.
Low-stakes writing
Use short explanations, exit tickets, captions, summaries and reflections to create frequent writing opportunities.
Let learners explain
Structured pair and group discussions allow learners to practise vocabulary and organise ideas before writing.
Classroom idea
The five-minute literacy starter.
Begin with a short paragraph, diagram, quotation, map, table or image. Ask learners to identify what they notice, define one important word and write one question.
Adapt the activity for Geography, History, English, Science and other subjects.