Sounds and Symbols™

Author: OldBear

  • Music the food of literacy?

    The New London Orchestra is running a three year ‘literacy-through-music’ programme (2011-2013) aimed to improve six to seven year old’s reading abilities.

    Click on the link below for further information

    http://www.ioe.ac.uk/64811.html

     

  • 600,000 children in England begin phonics testing

    Phonics testing is underway this week.  The Schools Minister, Nick Gibb has backed the controversial reading test and insisted that phonics is the most effective way to teach children to read.  His belief is based upon the findings of the seven year Clackmannshire study by Johnston and Watson (2005). (insert link http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/02/20682/52383) Three hundred children were studied and it was found that after only three months’ phonics teaching at the beginning of primary education, pupils by age eleven years were three and a half years ahead of their reading age.

    Mr Gibb stated in an interview for ITN News (link) on ITV’s ‘Daybreak’ that 95% of words are phonetically regular.

    The link is:  http://www.itv.com/news/story/2012-06-18/teachers-warn-over-reading-test/

    The importance of sound to reading is an area discussed in my book.  It is indisputable that phonological awareness, an appreciation of rhyme and rhythm and a good command of oral language contribute to literacy competence.  The relationship between sound and symbol is vital to literacy. These areas are of course, all addressed within the ‘Sounds and Symbols’ programme.

  • ‘Sound Before Symbol – Developing Literacy through Music’ is due to be published in February 2013.

  • I need to reduce my manuscript by about 7000 words

    Bad News for Me

    I need to reduce my manuscript by about 7000 words.

    Good news for you!

    I have redrafted some of the bits I took out and produced a pdf file ‘Sounds and Symbols Philosophy‘ so that you can get a sneak preview!

  • Presentation to groups of childcare students at Moray College, Elgin.

    Presentation to groups of childcare students at Moray College, Elgin.  They were studying National and Higher National courses.  Susan and Lindsay kindly lent me their students for the morning.  The students enjoyed a presentation, singing, musical stories and lots of activities!  They made finger mice, learned how to encourage fine motor skill development and bi-lateral co-ordination using Sounds and Symbols bricks, as well as build language skills – all vital to literacy proficiency! 

    Sounds and Symbols offers support to all 8 curricular areas and supports the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland as well as the new EYFS (2012) National Curriculum.

     

  • Final manuscript submitted to SAGE!

    Final manuscript submitted to SAGE!

    Everything crossed that it is OK!

  • New Early Years Foundation Stage Framework published today

    A greater emphasis upon phonics is proposed. There are now 7 areas of learning – literacy is a separate area.  This is good news for ‘Sounds and Symbols’ – this programme fits perfectly with these proposals.  Not so good news for having to rewrite and reincorporate new proposals in my book!  Deadline for completed manuscript – end of April fast approaching!

  • ‘Sound Before Symbol’ – Final draft manuscript submitted

    Final draft manuscript submitted to SAGE added new subtitle – Developing Literacy through Music.