Learning to spell, read and write with confidence are arguably the most important foundational steps in a child’s education.
Literacy success at Harkaway Hills College, including winning the Independent Schools Poetry Prize two years running, is rooted in the Spalding Method, which is practised daily by all students from Prep-Year 6.
College Principal Mary Broadsmith said the Spalding Method is true, tried and tested.
“Academically speaking, providing our students with the best tools to become confident lifelong learners is the most important task that a school has,” she said.
“Spalding is a highly integrated program that incorporates phonics, reading and writing so that the disciplines reinforce each other.”
The Spalding approach was initially developed in the United States by Mrs Romalda B. Spalding, who pioneered the method to empower children to become fluent, thoughtful readers and writers. Her approach was so effective for student literacy, including those with dyslexia and other learning difficulties, that it is now implemented at schools internationally.
Harkaway Hills Prep teacher, Genevieve Exton, believes the Spalding Method delivers excellent results for students and peace of mind for parents.
“As a teacher, I am passionate about Spalding because it is the most comprehensive literacy program I’ve encountered, and it allows me to cater for the individual needs of my students,” she said.
“The Spalding Method is a multi-sensory program that allows teachers to give explicit and interactive instruction to develop skilled readers, critical listeners and accomplished spellers and writers.”
The Spalding Method involves daily word analysis to consolidate and extend students’ vocabulary and empower them to use language precisely.
“I see my students begin to spell proficiently because of the focus on explicitly teaching of sounds and spelling rules,” Miss Exton said.
For more information about the Harkaway Hills College curriculum, visit: https://www.harkawayhills.vic.edu.au/
