Literacy: Empowering Minds, Igniting Imaginations

At Orli International Academy, we believe that literacy is the foundation of learning and the key to unlocking a world of opportunities. Our comprehensive approach to literacy education encompasses reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, empowering learners to communicate effectively, think critically, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

1. Early Literacy Development:

   We recognize the critical importance of early literacy development in laying the groundwork for future academic success. In our Creche and Nursery programs, we provide a language-rich environment where children are immersed in a variety of spoken and written language experiences. Through storytelling, rhymes, songs, and interactive activities, we foster a love for language and literacy from the earliest stages of development.

2. Balanced Literacy Instruction:

   Our primary literacy program emphasizes a balanced approach to literacy instruction, incorporating both explicit instruction and authentic literacy experiences. We focus on building foundational skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension through targeted instruction, guided reading groups, and literacy centers. At the same time, we promote a love for reading and writing by providing access to diverse and engaging texts, opportunities for independent reading and writing, and meaningful literacy experiences that connect to learners' interests and experiences.

3. Multimodal Literacies:

   In today's digital age, literacy extends beyond traditional print texts to encompass a wide range of multimodal literacies, including digital media, visual texts, and multimedia communication. At Orli International Academy, we integrate multimodal literacies into our curriculum, teaching learners to critically evaluate and create various forms of texts using digital tools, visual representations, and multimedia platforms. Through digital storytelling, media analysis, and multimedia presentations, learners develop digital literacy skills and become effective communicators in a digital world.

4. Literature-Based Learning:

   We believe in the power of literature to inspire curiosity, foster empathy, and spark imagination. Our curriculum incorporates a diverse selection of literature from different genres, cultures, and time periods, exposing learners to a rich tapestry of human experiences and perspectives. Through literature circles, author studies, and book clubs, learners engage deeply with texts, exploring themes, analyzing characters, and making connections to their own lives and the world around them.

5. Authentic Writing Experiences:

   Writing is an essential means of expression and communication, and we provide learners with ample opportunities to develop their writing skills across genres and purposes. From narrative and expository writing to persuasive essays and creative poetry, learners engage in authentic writing experiences that encourage voice, creativity, and critical thinking. Through the writing process, including prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing, learners learn to communicate effectively, express their ideas coherently, and craft compelling written texts.

6. Oral Language Development:

   Effective communication is not only about written expression but also about oral language proficiency. Our curriculum emphasizes the development of oral language skills through meaningful speaking and listening activities, class discussions, presentations, and debates. By providing opportunities for learners to articulate their thoughts, listen actively to others, and engage in respectful dialogue, we foster strong communication skills that are essential for success in academic, professional, and social contexts.

JOLLY PHONICS

Jolly Phonics is a fun and child centered approach to teaching literacy through synthetic phonics. With actions for each of the 42 letter sounds, the multi-sensory method is very motivating for children and teachers, who can see their learners achieve. The letter sounds are split into seven groups as shown below.
The sounds are taught in a specific order (not alphabetically). This enables children to begin building words as early as possible. Using a synthetic phonics approach, Jolly Phonics teaches children the five key skills for reading and writing. The program continues through school enabling the teaching of essential grammar, spelling and punctuation skills.
We can already see how this amazing program is helping our learners learn and use the letter sounds. Learners are excited for Jolly Phonics lessons and love learning a new sound each day. Learners particularly like the songs and actions

The five skills taught in Jolly Phonics

-         Learning the letter sounds
Children are taught the 42 main letter sounds. This includes alphabet sounds as well as digraphs such as sh, th, ai and ue.

-         Learning letter formation
Using different multi-sensory methods, children learn how to form and write the letters.

-         Blending
Children are taught how to blend the sounds together to read and write new words.

-         Identifying the sounds in words (Segmenting)
Listening for the sounds in words gives children the best start for improving spelling.

-         Tricky words
Tricky words have irregular spellings and children learn these separately.

At Orli International Academy, literacy is more than just reading and writing—it is a gateway to knowledge, empowerment, and lifelong learning. Through our comprehensive literacy program, we strive to cultivate literate, articulate, and critically minded individuals who are prepared to succeed in a complex and interconnected world.