Our country used to be celebrated as a leader in the teaching of reading. Our standards of literacy were high, we could write in proper sentences, our handwriting was neat and we could spell. So what went wrong? Cheryl Doig explores. 

It is easy to look back with rose-tinted glasses and think the past was so much better. Yet there have always been those who struggled with reading and writing and many whose learning needs weren’t recognised. While I do think standards of literacy are of concern I also know that the whole nature of literacy has changed. Technology has added a whole new layer of complexity. Literacy now encompasses scientific literacy, digital literacy, futures literacy … the list of new literacies goes on and on. 

Most of us reading latitude would say there are some basic aspects of literacy that are critical for all but it can be a challenge for us to let go of some of our cherished beliefs about what this means. If I told you that a weekly spelling list doesn’t make you a good speller or challenged whether handwriting should still be taught in schools what would your reaction be? Now that makes for an interesting conversation!

There are debates about whether whole language or phonics is best, as if it’s an either-or, rather than both. It is easy to think the latest move toward structured literacy is the magic bullet. But let’s not forget that all our children are unique and learn in different ways. A structured approach to literacy is great but not as a formula that must be followed for all. At five years old some children come to school with limited vocabulary or exposure to books. Others come already reading Harry Potter. Each needs enriching in different ways and great teachers see this, rather than adopting a one size fits all. Literacy is too important to leave to chance but the teaching of literacy requires an holistic approach. Schools and teachers need to have a clear approach to teaching literacy, model high standards of literacy in their own interactions and be constantly upskilling in the science and art of language. However it is naive to think that a few small changes will be a quick fix for a complex societal issue.

Parents and whānau play an important literacy role. As parents and whānau we often believe we are time-poor while being glued to our own devices. We don’t write things by hand nearly as much as we used to and generally not in copperplate script. We consume video and social media voraciously. And when we do this, our kids do it too. Have you sat in a restaurant and watched whole families on their devices? Or using technology as a babysitter? 

The greatest literacy investment you can give to your kids is conversation. Oral language is critical for early language development so the more we can actively engage in conversation with our tamariki the greater the impact. 



So next time you hear yourself saying, ‘Schools just need to …’ consider the impact you can make. Take a breath … pause, set and engage in conversation with your young person. The greatest literacy library is us!