PLD Promoting Literacy Development

New 2025 research from the University of Canterbury’s Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) team highlights something many educators already know – early literacy instruction truly matters.

The study shows that when students make strong gains in phonics and phonological awareness in their first months of school, they are significantly more likely to achieve proficient and advanced reading levels by Year 2.

Phonological awareness – the ability to recognise and work with sounds in spoken language – is a crucial foundation for reading and spelling success. When these skills are taught explicitly and early, students don’t just improve – they gain confidence, momentum, and a stronger pathway forward.

What this reinforces is clear: intentional, structured literacy teaching in the first term can make a measurable difference in a child’s future reading success.

Read the article here:
https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/news-and-events/news/2025/new-study-proves-power-of-early-literacy-teaching

Have you seen early phonics "wins" boost your students' confidence? Let us know in the comments!

Strong outcomes don’t happen by chance – they’re built through aligned practice, capable staff, and consistent systems across the whole school.

PLD’s Whole School Literacy Support Packages are designed to strengthen implementation, maintain SSP fidelity, and ensure every classroom is working toward the same evidence-based goals.

Choose the level of support that fits your context:
• Upskilling Staff: build confidence in early-career teachers
• Whole School Reset: restore consistency across classrooms
• Intensive Support: tailored support for complex or remote settings
• Tracking Sheet Support: turn data into clear teaching actions

Whether refining practice or rebuilding consistency, these packages provide practical, structured support that drives measurable improvement.

Learn more and download the booking form:
https://pld-literacy.org/pld-school-support-packages/