Implementing PLD in Foundation

Pre-Primary (WA), Kindergarten (NSW/ACT), Prep (QLD/VIC/TAS), Reception (SA), Transition (NT)

The Foundation school year is one of the most important years of schooling. This is the year that students learn to read, spell and write. This page provides Foundation teachers with a step-by-step guide to using PLD in the classroom.

Navigate to the relevant sections using the tabs below:

 

In the Classroom

PLD has created downloadable implementation manuals that will assist with a step-by-step, term-by-term process. The manuals outline PLD’s Teaching and Screening & Tracking process.

Professional Development for Foundation Teachers

Classroom teachers should begin by enrolling in professional development. Whether new to PLD this year, requiring a refresher (if the last training was 3+ years) or changing year levels we have listed out the options below.

If PLD Foundation professional development has been completed within the last three years, jump ahead to Step 3.

Essential Resources for Effective Implementation

PLDโ€™s titles are based on international research, independently assessed by third parties and constantly updated as new research becomes available. PLDโ€™s evidence-based programs are available in Starter Packs. Each Starter Pack contains a 15% discount. These recommended programs are essential to the successful implementation of the โ€˜Teaching Sequencesโ€™ outlined in the Foundation Teaching Sequence Manual.

The Foundation SSP programs require Decodable Reading Books. Select from the following home reading and in-class group reading sets:

Unsure what PLD programs the school already has or are needed? Print off the PLD Program Audit Form. This form can be used to establish current titles in the school but also to identify essential titles required for each classroom.

Use the PLD Tracking Sheets in Foundation

The downloadable PLD Tracking Sheets are central to PLDโ€™s approach. The sheets link the Foundation Teaching Sequence Manual with the Foundation Screening & Tracking Manual. Through mid and end of term progress checks, childrenโ€™s abilities are plotted onto the Tracking Sheets, creating three groups, which form the basis of the targeted teaching. This process enables the classroom teacher to report on skill development of the class and simultaneously to establish an implementation plan.

Get Ready to Use the PLD Tracking Sheets in a Classroom Setting

  • Register for and download the PLD Tracking Sheets HERE. Note: For whole-school implementation, this should already be completed by a school leader or admin.

How to Screen & Track with PLD

1: Screen the Students in the Class

Within each term, conduct targeted teaching and screening. The screening reviews student phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge which will impact later reading and spelling development. Scores are entered into the Tracking Sheets.

2: Enter the results into the PLD Tracking Sheets

The results from each round of screening will need to be entered into the PLD Tracking Sheets. To assist with entering the data, refer to the Foundation Screening & Tracking Manual which comprehensively outlines PLD’s Screening & Tracking process. 

Using the Tracking Sheets effectively requires confidence with three key spreadsheet skills. If required, PLD have provided assistance with these functions in the training video below.

3: Cluster the Class into Three Targeted Teaching Groups

Rather than arranging students in alphabetical order, establish a targeted implementation plan in which high performing, average and delayed students are grouped together to create three teaching groups.

Foundation Implementation Checklist

This four-step process should enable Foundation teachers to implement effective Structured Synthetic Phonics (SSP) within their classes. This will contribute towards Foundation students achieving a positive start to their schooling.

If you have a question about implementing PLD or any of the steps listed above, please donโ€™t hesitate to get in touch through our online chat in the bottom right corner of this screen. We are always happy to help.