Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 Literacy & Learning Resources

The range in student ability is often very evident in middle and upper primary classrooms. PLD’s Whole School Literacy Plan: https://pld-literacy.org/wslp/, pages 21-23 outlines our SSP approach, enabling your students to achieve the best possible Literacy and Oral Language outcomes. The plan is devised to be broad, however, establishing a consistent screening and tracking process is key to achieving the best possible results. Successful implementation of PLD requires three components: Training, Tracking and Programs, following our approach, we have listed the essential programs you will need below. 

Literacy

Oral Language

Movement & Motor

Downloads

Screening Tools

Starter Packs

Online Courses

Seminars

Apps

eBooks

  • Phonic and Sight Word Sequence
    From $57.00$57.00 incl. GST
    Essential Year 3 and 4 Literacy Starter Pack

    Outlining the relationship between letters and sounds.

    By middle and upper primary, classes typically have a huge range in ability levels. Using the placement tests in Phonic and Sight Word Sequence levels are quickly established and class specific content can be devised. This best selling resource covers Foundation all the way through to Year 6 and provides teachers and parents with: A structured whole-school scope and sequence for primary schools, outlining phonic concepts, spelling rules, morphology, reading and spelling words, sight words and assessments. Termly reviews are provided for establishing the range in ability, for reviewing progress and for measurable data. Stages 1, 2 and 3 primarily outline structured synthetic phonics content along with common bound morpheme suffixes. Stages 4, 5 and 6 are comprised of structured synthetic plus more sophisticated word attack spelling based upon syllables, prefixes, suffixes, and morphemes. Placement tests, term reviews, and short investigations when students are slow to progress are included. Guidelines for the explicit teaching of sight words are contained within the appendix. To find out how the 2020 Second Revised Edition differs from previous versions, click here.   Phonic and Sight Word Sequence is mentioned within the ‘Whole School Literacy Strategy’ booklet on page 11, 17 & 22. Generous discounts apply for bulk orders 5 to 9 copies – 15% discount automatically applied at checkout 10+ copies – 20% discount automatically applied at checkout

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  • Spelling Activities for the Middle And Upper Primary
    From $65.00$65.00 incl. GST
    Essential Year 3 and 4 Literacy Starter Pack

    Synthetic phonics, vocabulary and writing activities.

    The ability to read well is a basic skill and vital to national survival (Chall 1989). However, there have been ongoing concerns regarding the poor adult literacy rates since the introduction of whole language approaches to literacy development both within Australia and internationally. In 2004 these concerns led to a National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy (NITL) here in Australia. The results, published in 2005 recognised the importance of a systematic, synthetic phonics approach to reading instruction (Bowey 2006). These findings were independently echoed in the US and UK with recommendations that teaching of reading and spelling must include a synthetic phonics approach (Dooner 2010). As Joshi (2009) clearly outlines, one cannot teach what one does not understand, and it is therefore important that teachers understand synthetic phonics, the alphabetic code, phonological awareness and types of language and vocabulary and how these work together in the development of strong literacy skills. Spelling Activities for the Middle and Upper Primary is intended to provide a definition of synthetic phonics and related skills, an understanding of the importance of synthetic phonics, and practical suggestions for how to teach synthetic phonics within the classroom, in addition to specific spelling activities which are based on the principles of synthetic phonics and are ready to use with your students individually, within small groups or as part of whole-class activities.   Features: Middle and Upper Primary spelling activities resource (which incorporates synthetic phonics and linguistic theory). Three levels of each template aim to cater for the range in ability (i.e. delayed, average and advanced students) evident in classrooms. The activity templates are ready to photocopy. A key resource when establishing a spelling program. Assessment points are located at the base of each sheet (for students, a peer or teachers to rate task performance). An ideal complement to PLD’s Phonic Sight Word Sequence. This publication is mentioned within the Whole School Literacy Strategy booklet on page 22.

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  • Phonic Dictation – Stage 3
    From $65.00$65.00 incl. GST
    Essential Year 3 and 4 Literacy Starter Pack

    Learning to apply phonic knowledge to writing tasks.

    What happens when the correct spelling of test words does not transfer to writing? Students often write words correctly in spelling tests but struggle when applying their new knowledge to written work? As a general rule, students require many opportunities to rehearse their skills in contexts of increasing complexity. Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 focuses on a variety of spelling and phonics concepts. As students complete the dictation tasks, they are faced with the challenge of applying their recently acquired spelling concepts to the rewriting of passages. The presentation of regular phonic dictation sessions enables students to rehearse transferring spelling concepts to their writing. Dictation tasks require minimal preparation but produce significant gains in all areas of literacy. When presented on a regular basis, dictation tasks hold the potential to produce a significant increase in a range of areas. Dictation improves the following skills in students: listening auditory memory handwriting language spelling Most importantly, dictation assists in the translation of spelling list words to students’ self-generated writing. The short presentation formats outline dictation only, the extended formats provide reading, editing and writing tasks. Phonic Dictation – Stage 3: Revision of Phonic Dictation – Stage 2 phonic concepts. Phonemic spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. igh, -y, i-e, tch, dge, get, ea as ‘e’.) Onset and rime spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. ace, ice, air.) Syllabic spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. ph, ble, qu, be.) The other programs within the range include: Phonic Dictation – Stage 1 Phonic Dictation – Stage 2 Phonic Dictation – Stage 4 Phonic Dictation – Stage 5 Phonic Dictation – Stage 6 This publication is mentioned within the ‘Whole School Literacy Strategy’ booklet on page 22.

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  • Phonic flash cards – Stage 1-4
    From $39.00$39.00 incl. GST
    Essential Year 3 and 4 Literacy Starter Pack

    Strengthening the relationship between letters and sounds

    Flash cards are a powerful instructional tool, not only are they an effective way to present, practise, consolidate and revise concepts at a whole class, small group or individual student level, but they also cater for the range of ability that presents in any class. Within Phonic flash cards, a wide selection of phonic concepts have been included making it a practical and handy resource. For many classes, a proportion of students will present with advanced skills, a proportion will present with average or age-appropriate skills and a proportion will present with delayed skills. The students of greatest concern will be the students operating below the level of their peers. It is this group that will also require the greatest levels of on-going revision and consolidation. With this in mind, PLD have created Phonic Flash cards. One side of the flash cards are coloured and provide students with picture prompts. The other side lists the phonic concept without any supports. The resource also includes phonic concepts for the alphabet in stages 1-4. How can Phonic flash cards be used in the classroom? The traditional application, card flipping: The phonic concepts that have been covered in spelling lists can then be easily revised by collecting the associated phonic flash cards, hole punching the corners and placing them onto a metal ring. The specifically selected set of cards can be presented in an organised and time efficient manner. Mount the flash cards on the wall for display: The display of the cards on a classroom wall creates an attractive wall frieze and thereby a phonic reference point for the students to source when engaged in written tasks. Incorporate the flash cards into games: As a supplement to phonic-based spelling lists the flash cards can be incorporated into activities. This will help students be more curious and engaged in the task and thereby more likely to remember the concepts represented on the cards. Concepts from this publication are mentioned within the ‘Whole School Literacy Strategy‘. Generous discounts apply for bulk orders 5 to 9 copies – 15% discount applies 10+ copies – 20% discount applies

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  • Phonic Dictation – Stage 4
    From $65.00$65.00 incl. GST
    Essential Year 3 and 4 Literacy Starter Pack

    Learning to apply phonic knowledge to writing tasks.

    What happens when the correct spelling of test words does not transfer to writing? Students often write words correctly in spelling tests but struggle when applying their new knowledge to written work? As a general rule, students require many opportunities to rehearse their skills in contexts of increasing complexity. Phonic Dictation – Stage 4 focuses on a variety of spelling and phonics concepts. As students complete the dictation tasks, they are faced with the challenge of applying their recently acquired spelling concepts to the rewriting of passages. The presentation of regular phonic dictation sessions enables students to rehearse transferring spelling concepts to their writing. Dictation tasks require minimal preparation but produce significant gains in all areas of literacy. When presented on a regular basis, dictation tasks hold the potential to produce a significant increase in a range of areas. Dictation improves the following skills in students: listening auditory memory handwriting language spelling Most importantly, dictation assists in the translation of spelling list words to students’ self-generated writing. The short presentation formats outline dictation only, the extended formats provide reading, editing and writing tasks. Phonic Dictation – Stage 4 focuses on: Revision of Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 phonic concepts. Phonemic spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. igh, -y, i-e, tch, dge, ge ea as ‘e’.) Onset and rime spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. ace, ice, air.) Syllabic spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. ph, ble, qu, be.) The other programs within the range include: Phonic Dictation – Stage 1 Phonic Dictation – Stage 2 Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 Phonic Dictation – Stage 5 Phonic Dictation – Stage 6 This publication is mentioned within the ‘Whole School Literacy Strategy’ booklet on page 22.

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  • Phonic Dictation – Stage 5
    From $65.00$65.00 incl. GST
    Essential Year 3 and 4 Literacy Starter Pack

    Learning to apply phonic knowledge to writing tasks.

    What happens when the correct spelling of test words does not transfer to writing? Students often write words correctly in spelling tests but struggle when applying their new knowledge to written work? As a general rule, students require many opportunities to rehearse their skills in contexts of increasing complexity. Phonic Dictation – Stage 5 focuses on a variety of spelling and phonics concepts. As students complete the dictation tasks, they are faced with the challenge of applying their recently acquired spelling concepts to the rewriting of passages. The presentation of regular phonic dictation sessions enables students to rehearse transferring spelling concepts to their writing. Dictation tasks require minimal preparation but produce significant gains in all areas of literacy. When presented on a regular basis, dictation tasks hold the potential to produce a significant increase in a range of areas. Dictation improves the following skills in students: listening auditory memory handwriting language spelling Most importantly, dictation assists in the translation of spelling list words to students’ self-generated writing. The short presentation formats outline dictation only, the extended formats provide reading, editing and writing tasks. Phonic Dictation – Stage 5 Focuses on: Extended formats provide reading, editing and writing tasks. Revision of Stage 4 phonic concepts. The syllabic spelling strategy applied to Stage 5 phonic concepts. Prefixes and suffixes applied to Stage 5 phonic concepts. The other programs within the range include: Phonic Dictation – Stage 1 Phonic Dictation – Stage 2 Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 Phonic Dictation – Stage 4 Phonic Dictation – Stage 6 This publication is mentioned within the ‘Whole School Literacy Strategy’ booklet on page 22.

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  • Phonic Charts – Stage 3
    From $30.00$30.00 incl. GST
    Essential Year 3 and 4 Literacy Starter Pack

    Representing the phonic and sound structure of words.

    Phonic Charts – Stage 3 focus on the following: ‘ce’ as ‘s’, ‘se’ as ‘s’, ‘se’ as ‘z’, air, are, ear, ‘a’ as ‘e’, ‘alk’ as ‘or’, ‘e’ as ‘ee’, le, ear, eer, ‘ey’ as ‘ee’, ‘y’ as ‘ee’, ‘ge’ as ‘j’, ‘dge’ as ‘j’, ‘dg’ as ‘j’, igh, ‘oar’ as ‘or’, ‘our’ as ‘or’, ‘oor’ as ‘or’, ‘ore’ as ‘or’, ould, qu, ‘ph’ as ‘f’, ‘tch’ as ‘ch’, ‘ea’ as ‘e’, ‘ou’ as ‘long oo’, ‘ui’ as ‘long oo’, ‘ar’ as ‘or’, silent b, ‘wh’ as ‘h’, ‘ti’ as ‘sh’.   Features: The charts can be utilised for the purpose of display or as flash cards. Extend phonic knowledge, whilst highlighting the sound structure and the vocabulary nature of the words. Writing is supported when students have access to environmental print, which consolidates concepts covered. Each set of charts is based directly upon the PLD’s Phonic & sight word sequence

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  • Phonic Dictation – Stage 6
    From $65.00$65.00 incl. GST
    Essential Year 3 and 4 Literacy Starter Pack

    Learning to apply phonic knowledge to writing tasks.

    What happens when the correct spelling of test words does not transfer to writing? Students often write words correctly in spelling tests but struggle when applying their new knowledge to written work? As a general rule, students require many opportunities to rehearse their skills in contexts of increasing complexity. Phonic Dictation – Stage 6 focuses on a variety of spelling and phonics concepts. As students complete the dictation tasks, they are faced with the challenge of applying their recently acquired spelling concepts to the rewriting of passages. The presentation of regular phonic dictation sessions enables students to rehearse transferring spelling concepts to their writing. Dictation tasks require minimal preparation but produce significant gains in all areas of literacy. When presented on a regular basis, dictation tasks hold the potential to produce a significant increase in a range of areas. Dictation improves the following skills in students: listening auditory memory handwriting language spelling Most importantly, dictation assists in the translation of spelling list words to students’ self-generated writing. The short presentation formats outline dictation only, the extended formats provide reading, editing and writing tasks. Phonic Dictation – Stage 6 focuses on: Revision of stage 5 phonic concepts. Syllabic spelling strategy applied to stage 6 phonic concepts. Prefix and suffix spelling concepts. Includes: Instruction manual The other programs within the range include: Phonic Dictation – Stage 1 Phonic Dictation – Stage 2 Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 Phonic Dictation – Stage 4 Phonic Dictation – Stage 5 This publication is mentioned within the ‘Whole School Literacy Strategy’ booklet on pages 22.

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  • Generating Narratives – Set 2
    From $30.00$30.00 incl. GST
    Essential Year 3 and 4 Literacy Starter Pack

    A resource for helping children to start expressing themselves verbally and in writing through the use of multiple picture prompts.

    Generating Narratives – Set 2 is designed for students aged 6 to 12 and supports the generation of oral and written narratives. Through picture sequences, this teacher resource contains 10 storylines and 30 x A4 picture cards which illustrate the structure of narratives. For example, each storyline consists of an introduction picture, a picture of a problem (or complication) and a picture of how the characters are feeling. This pack contains the following story themes in A4 narrative structure card format: Escape from prison Leaky Boar Storm Ruins Picnic The Fly Away Kite Soccer Grand Final Car Breakdown Hairdressing Disaster UFO House On Fire Shark Attack The picture sets illustrate the core initial components of narratives (i.e. introductions, problems and character’s thoughts and feelings.) The card sets have been designed to support student’s understanding of narratives and to assist students in the process of generating the content of narratives. The card sets provide multiple opportunities for students to rehearse narrative composition in a supported and structured manner. This publication is mentioned within the Whole School Literacy Strategy booklet on page 23.

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  • Phonic Charts – Stage 4
    From $30.00$30.00 incl. GST
    Essential Year 3 and 4 Literacy Starter Pack

    Representing the phonic and sound structure of words

    Decoding and spelling is dependent upon phonics and ‘sounding out’ (or phonological awareness) processes. The colour coding process adopted in the charts highlights the focus phonic patterns along with the sound structure contained within the words. Phonic Charts – Stage 4 focus on the following: ‘a’ as ‘ar’, ‘a’ as ‘o’, ‘c’ as ‘s’, ‘ch’ as ‘k’, ‘g’ as ‘j’, ‘o’ as ‘u’, ‘or’, ‘s’ & ‘ss’ as ‘sh’, ‘y’ as ‘i’, -age, ‘ear’ as ‘er’, use, ‘au’ & ‘augh’ as ‘or’, ‘ough’ as ‘or’, ‘si’ as ‘zh’, ‘ci’ as ‘sh’, -ain, ‘i-e’ as ‘ee’, ‘our’ as ‘schwa er’, ‘ou’ as ‘u’, ‘tu’ as ‘ch’, ‘ie’ as ‘ee’, ‘eigh’ as ‘ay’, silent t, silent c, silent w, ‘gu’ as ‘g’, ‘ss’ & ‘si’ as ‘sh’, ‘e’ as ‘zh’, ‘s’ as ‘zh’, ‘e’ as ‘i’, ‘au’ as ‘o’, ‘ei’ as ‘ee’, ‘u’ as ‘long oo’, ‘al’ as ‘ar’, ‘ar’ as ‘schwa er’. Features: The charts can be utilised for the purpose of display or as flash cards. Extend phonic knowledge, whilst highlighting the sound structure and the vocabulary nature of the words. Writing is supported when students have access to environmental print, which consolidates concepts covered. Each set of charts is based directly upon the PLD’s Phonic & sight word sequence.

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  • Generating Narratives – Set 1
    From $30.00$30.00 incl. GST
    Essential Year 3 and 4 Literacy Starter Pack

    A resource helping children to start expressing themselves verbally and in writing on the basis of multiple picture prompts.

    Generating Narratives – Set 1 is designed for Year 1 through to Year 6 students and supports the generation of oral and written narratives. Through picture sequences, this teacher resource contains 10 storylines and 30 x A4 picture cards which illustrate the structure of narratives. For example, each storyline consists of an introduction picture, a picture of a problem (or complication) and a picture of how the characters are feeling. This pack contains the following story themes in A4 narrative structure card format: Scarecrow Pet Dog On The Loose Surprise Hatch Late For School Car Accident Flooded Town Escape Rabbit Campsite Danger Bolting Horse Baby Bird Falling The picture sets illustrate the core initial components of narratives (i.e. introductions, problems and character’s thoughts and feelings.) The card sets have been designed to support student’s understanding of narratives and to assist students in the process of generating the content of narratives. The card sets provide multiple opportunities for students to rehearse narrative composition in a supported and structured manner.

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  • Connecting Oral and Written Language – Step 2
    From $65.00$65.00 incl. GST
    Essential Year 3 and 4 Literacy Starter Pack

    Connecting Oral & Written Language – Step 2 is an instructional material outlining how to teach 9 to 12 year olds to express themselves in a structured way

    Although there are many types of genres, the most complex genre is narrative. The production of a narrative is more cognitively and linguistically demanding than participation in a conversation. Research repeatedly reports that narrative programs positively impact overall reading comprehension and written expression ability. Hence once skills are developed in this area, there is a flow on effect to all other forms of comprehension and written work. Within Connecting Oral and Written Language – Step 2 the initial oral stage is incredibly important. From a Speech Pathology perspective, oral expression ability is the precursor to written expression ability. Too often students are required to generate narratives before solid foundation skills are established. Remember students need to be provided with multiple opportunities to analyse and orally retell familiar narratives. In this way, they are rehearsing and practicing their oral language skills and simultaneously developing a solid understanding of narrative structure. Remember do not underestimate the value of the initial oral stages of narrative skills development. This program, designed by Speech Pathologists for 9 to 12 year olds features: Narrative tasks are presented in an order of ascending complexity (i.e. pre-narrative, oral narrative retells, written narrative retells and finally narrative generation). The manual outlines how to instruct 9 to 12 year olds narrative ability and recommends over 45 suitable picture books. The classroom pack includes explicit narrative structure cards and display posters There is a first step resource – Connecting Oral and Written Language – Step 1 for 6-8 Year Olds.

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  • Synthetic Phonics Flip Book – Stage 2, 3 & 4
    $64.90
    Essential Year 3 and 4 Literacy Starter Pack

    New Release for 2020!

    Following on from our bestselling series Synthetic Phonics 1 & 2, comes Synthetic Phonics 3 in 2020. Synthetic phonics is a way of teaching children