Literacy
Placemat
This technique requires students to be divided into groups of four. Students gather around the Placemat Template which is organised with sections for each student to record their ideas and a central section for students to summarise their individual ideas. First students individually think about a question and write down their ideas on their own section of the template. Then students share their ideas to discover common elements, which can be written in the centre of the placemat template. The purpose of the placemat technique is to provide all students with the opportunity to share their ideas and learn from each other in a co-operative small group discussion. In doing so, students improve their oral literacy. The benefits of the this strategy are that students have an opportunity to reflect and participate. They will extend their learning by listening to the ideas of others. Click for more information on the placemat technique, as well as step-by-step instructions for successful implementation.
Teaching Keywords
Students need to encounter new words up to 17 times before they become part of their everyday vocabulary. Here are 17 ways to ensure students repeat and use keywords often. Note: although the examples given here are Science based, the methodologies are applicable in all subjects.
Other Literacy Resources
- Skimming
- Scanning
- SQ3R
- Reading For Meaning
- Bloom's Taxonomy Verbs (useful for creating a question cube)
- Blank Question Sheet for creating a question cube
- Blank Cube Shape Template
Graphic Organisers
Graphic Organisers may help to improve literacy.
Graphic Organisers for Teaching and Learning
Blank Graphic Organisers for class use (with some samples)
Sample Business exercises for use wth Graphic Organisers
Completed Business Graphic Organisers
Blank Graphic Organisers for printing
Template Graphic Organisers for completion by teacher
Useful Posters
Websites to Improve Literacy and Numeracy
| Puzzlemaker | Lots of different types of puzzles to make |
| Wordlearner | Crosswords, wordsearches, bingo, matching and more |
| Wordsearches | Make you own wordsearch |
| Pete's PowerPoint Station | Good maths images and ideas |
| IXL | Interactive revision site for maths - covers all topics |
| Skillwise | Educational website to improve literacy and numeracy in adults |
| Quizlet | Flashcards, Games and Tests |
| Studystack | Flashcards, Matching, Crosswords, Tests, Quizzes |
| Wordle | Create your own Word Cloud |
| Tagxedo | Create your own Word Shape |
| Question Cube | Create a question cube using Blooms Taxomony. First enter your name, then click on "Create your own cube" |
Checklists for Literacy & Numeracy
Oral Presentation Evaluation Form
This the National Strategy to improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People 2011 - 2020. Click here for the summary of the strategy.
Click here to download the full strategy.
Checklist for Literacy & Numeracy
Whole School Approach to Literacy
Developing a whole school approach to literacy is key. Please see below the two presentations which literacy link teachers will have seen at their inservice. Further below are links to resources which they will also have seen and which can be useful in the Economics classroom.
Literacy Link Day 1
Literacy Resources
The 'Explicit Instruction Model' could be displayed in your classroom. Click here to download.
An outline of the four steps of explicit instruction have also been uploaded. Click here to download.
Resources from Literacy Link workshops
Semantic Map and Peer Teaching
Cooperative and Group Role Cards
Vocabulary Guidelines and Prefixes
Speaking and Listening Checklist
Vocabulary Knowledge Checklist
Common Greek and Latin Morphemes
Oral Presentations
Student presentations can be an excellent way to improve oral literacy. The Oral Presentation Evaluation form can provide a structure for students to self assess or peer assess. Alternatively, the teacher can use it to evaluate the student's presentation.
