When your child receives the right education and support in basic learning areas, it helps them succeed in life. Right now, the national curriculum is being updated to give your child the best start. English is one of the first learning areas to change.

What your child is learning in English#

Your child now spends at least 10 hours a week learning reading and writing at school. They get meaningful opportunities to connect with the world around them as they learn oral language, reading, and writing skills. They will work with others, sharing experiences, ideas, and viewpoints. This will strengthen their knowledge and understanding of different perspectives from Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider world.

Their learning will build their basic skills in these phases:

• Years 0 to 3 – thriving in environments rich in literacy.
• Years 4 to 6 – expanding knowledge and working with others.
• Years 7 to 8 – seeing themselves in the wider world and supporting themselves and others.

Oral language#

‘Oral language’ is used to describe your child’s first language. This could be a spoken language, New Zealand Sign Language, or alternative or augmentative communication (AAC). It also includes different expressions such as:

• vocalisations
• gestures
• movements
• images.

Oral language teaches your child to speak and listen well, and master formal communication skills.

Reading#

Reading focuses on teaching your child to read, understand, and think critically about text. They explore texts from New Zealand, the Pacific, and around the world, to gain insights into themselves and others.

Writing#

Writing focuses on teaching your child how to write for a variety of purposes, in ways that others can understand and respond to.

Teaching methods#

The changes we're making to strengthen the national curriculum will mean it is:

• clear
• consistent
• sequenced
• evidence-based
• high-quality.

Teachers will use ‘explicit teaching’ which involves:

• connecting current learning to what your child already knows
• providing concise, step-by-step explanations, with your child's input and discussion
• explaining, modelling, and demonstrating new learning
• regularly checking for understanding and providing feedback
• providing opportunities for your child to practise collaboratively and independently.

Structured literacy approaches#

We use structured literacy approaches in the English learning area. These help your child to learn:

• relationships between letters and sounds and how this knowledge is used to read and spell words
• handwriting
• vocabulary
• writing
• reading comprehension.

Simple things to help your child learn at home

It takes a village to support your child on their learning journey. We encourage you to explore our resources so you can help your child practice and build on their knowledge and skills outside the classroom.

Supporting learning at home

Extra support or enrichment#

Some learners need extra help with their learning. If your child needs support, talk to their teacher first. They will use targeted strategies to help your child in the classroom. If your child needs more challenges, talk to their teacher too.

As part of the new curriculum, we’ll make sure you know your child’s progress through clear updates from their teachers. Regular reporting to parents is a key part of the changes we’re making for assessment.