Literacy at IPS

Prep-1

Years 2-3

Around year 2-3, our Literacy block incorporates the InitiaLit Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension and Storybook lessons, as well as the 6+1 Traits of Writing program.

Spelling lessons at this level progress from the junior InitiaLit program. The focus lies primarily on revising prior knowledge and building upon it with a focus on more complex spelling patterns and rules. Comprehension lessons teach students to read for meaning; they learn and utilise comprehension skills such as inferring, making connections and asking questions to dig deeper into the increasingly complex texts that they read. Grammar focuses on refining students’ understanding of the way that sentences are built. Storybook allows children to listen to take inspiration from accomplished authors and unpack the stories in a multitude of different ways.

In 2025 we began using the 6+1 Traits of Writing program to increase students’ capacity around the multi-faceted skill of writing. Students focus deeply on individual components of writing (ideas, sentence fluency, conventions, organisation, voice and word choice) to build informative, imaginative and narrative texts from the ground up. Students also refine their handwriting and typing skills through targeted lessons and online programs.

Years 4-6