Features

Creating new heroes
Reading superhero comics is often seen as a sign of poor literacy. However, an innovative project at HMP Reading & YOI used them to engage men in a creative project that would also develop their literacy skills. Project manager David Kendall explains.

Family learning in the secondary school
While common in many primary schools, family learning is less developed in the secondary sector. Christine Smith, of Four Dwellings High School, Birmingham, describes the development of one of the first programmes for parents of secondary-age pupils.

Leading literacy
Graham Tyrer, deputy headteacher of Nicholas Chamberlain Technology College, explains how a focus on literacy and leadership helped the school to come out of special measures and achieve the best English results in its history.

Interactive literacy
Educational consultant and author Maureen Lewis describes how ICT-based reading texts, original texts conceived and written for the ICT medium, are developing new approaches to literacy teaching.

Creating resource-rich environments
Creating a stimulating and resource-rich learning environment can help to support early writing in the foundation stage. Judith Stevens, early years adviser for the London Borough of Lewisham, provides tips on creating supportive, resource-rich environments.

Role-playing literacy
Organised role play in the early years can encourage children to explore unfamiliar language from different true-to-life scenarios. Sue Marshall, head of Oak House Nursery School, explains the importance of role play and how her new film resources can provide support.

Bookmark support on reading difficulties
Bookmark is a new online resource providing support to all those working with children with reading difficulties. Alexandra Strick, freelance project manager, reports.

Research

Narrative skills linked to mathematical achievement
Recent research has shown a link between early oral storytelling abilities and achievement in maths. Dr Daniela O’Neill, of the University of Waterloo, Canada, discusses her findings.

Speech impairments: the case for early intervention
Dr Julia Carroll of the University of Warwick discusses her research, comparing children who have a family history of dyslexia with children with speech difficulties.

Australian assessment in literacy and numeracy
An Australian longitudinal study is investigating literacy and numeracy in primary schools and the kinds of assessment tasks being used. Marion Meiers, senior research fellow at the Australian Council for Educational Research, reports findings so far.

Perspectives on inclusive early education
Dr Cathy Nutbrown of the University of Sheffield and Professor Peter Clough of Queen’s University, Belfast, describe UK approaches to special educational needs and inclusive early education.

Noisy boys and invisible girls?
Dr Debra Myhill and Dr Susan Jones of the University of Exeter report on gender stereotypes and the implications for achievement among boys and girls.

Changing faces of adult literacy, numeracy and ESOL
Much has changed in adult literacy policy and practice since the original BBC campaign of the 1970s. Yvonne Hillier, City University, London, and Mary Hamilton, University of Lancaster, report.

Research digest
Stamping, clapping and chanting improve literacy?; Grammar investigation; Eighteenth century  literacy; Abstracts; Titles

Publications
Boys on the Margin; Writing to Learn; Link Up Evaluation; and Basic Skills for Offenders in the Community

Noticeboard

National Literacy Trust News
Bank of England hosts literacy dinner; Christmas Book Drive; New projects at football clubs