Early Literacy
Building the foundations for reading, writing, and language.
An individual programme for children aged 4–6, with attention to oral language, sounds, print, phonics, reading, writing, stories, and play.
Studio Intake · 2 Learners Per Studio Term
What is the Early Literacy Programme?
Early Literacy is a foundational programme for children aged 4–6. It covers the knowledge and skills children need to become capable readers, writers, and users of language.
The programme works across oral language, phonological awareness, print, phonics, reading, writing, vocabulary, stories, and play. These areas are taught in connection with one another, with the sequence and emphasis adjusted to the learner’s developing knowledge.
What We Work On
Oral Language and Vocabulary
Building vocabulary, listening, conversation, sentence knowledge, and the ability to express ideas clearly.
Phonological Awareness
Learning to notice and work with the sounds and structures of spoken language, including words, syllables, rhyme, and individual sounds.
Letters, Print and Phonics
Learning how print works, recognising letters, developing letter–sound knowledge, and using phonics to read and spell words.
Reading and Comprehension
Developing accurate word reading, fluency, vocabulary, understanding, and thoughtful responses to texts.
Writing
Developing control of writing, from letter formation and spelling to words, sentences, and independent expression.
Stories, Books and Play
Encountering stories, poems, picture books, and other texts; talking about them, learning from them, and using play and imagination as part of literacy development.
The Curricula We Use
The Early Literacy programme draws on established early-years curricula alongside original materials developed by the Studio. These curricula inform the selection, sequence, and development of learning across language, literacy, books, writing, and knowledge-building.
Opening the World of Learning (OWL)
A broad early language and literacy curriculum supporting oral language, vocabulary, phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, writing, books, and comprehension.
Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) Preschool
Supports early reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with particular attention to vocabulary, literature, and knowledge-building.
HighScope Preschool Curriculum
Provides a developmental perspective on children’s language, literacy, communication, and learning.
Studio Workbooks
Original workbooks developed by the Studio to support its curriculum and teaching approach.
These curricula provide important sources for the programme, while teaching is adapted to the individual learner and developed through the Studio’s own practice.
What the Child May Develop
Through the programme, child may develop:
Stronger oral language and vocabulary
Greater awareness of the sounds in spoken language
Secure knowledge of letters and their sounds
Increasing ability to blend and segment sounds
More accurate and fluent word reading
Greater understanding of stories and other texts;
Stronger spelling and sentence knowledge
Increasing control in handwriting and early writing
Greater confidence expressing ideas through speech and writing
Greater independence in approaching books and literacy tasks
The 16-Week Learning Journey
The programme develops progressively across weeks, with learning shaped around the child’s starting point and progress.
Weeks 1–2
Establishing a Starting Point
Observing language, phonological awareness, print knowledge, reading, writing, and responses to stories.
Weeks 3–6
Building Foundations
Strengthening the knowledge and skills that support later reading and writing.
Weeks 7–10
Connecting Sounds and Print
Developing letter–sound knowledge, blending, decoding, spelling, and early word reading.
Weeks 11–13
Developing as a Reader and Writer
Extending reading, comprehension, vocabulary, sentence knowledge, and written expression.
Weeks 14–15
Consolidating Learning
Revisiting important knowledge and strengthening areas that need further practice.
Week 16
Review and Next Steps
Looking back at development and identifying what should be continued, extended, or revisited.
What does a lesson look like?
Lesson covers areas of literacy, with the balance changing according to the learner’s current needs.
Welcome and Conversation
Conversation, vocabulary, listening, and oral language.
Sound Work
Phonological awareness, phonics, blending, segmenting, or spelling.
Reading
Decoding, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and discussion of a text.
Flexible Play and Movement
Literacy-related play, movement, games, or exploration.
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Writing
Letter formation, spelling, sentence work, drawing, or independent writing.
Closing
Reviewing the lesson, revisiting learning, and preparing for what comes next.
Following Learning and Development
Learning is followed throughout the programme so that teaching can respond to the child’s development.
Starting Point
Before the programme begins
The programme begins by establishing what the learner currently knows and can do across relevant areas of literacy.
Ongoing Observation
Throughout the 16 weeks
Learning is observed throughout lessons through conversation, reading, writing, sound work, and responses to texts.
Progress
As learning develops
Work and observations are used to identify developing knowledge, emerging skills, and areas requiring further teaching or practice.
Next Steps
At the end of the 16 weeks
The next stage of teaching is determined by what the learner has developed and what knowledge or skills need to come next.
Questions you may have
How do you determine where my child should begin?
The programme begins with an initial period of observation and assessment to understand the learner’s existing knowledge and skills across relevant areas of early literacy. This helps determine the starting point and informs the sequence and emphasis of subsequent teaching.
Can the programme work alongside my child’s school curriculum?
Yes. Many children who join the Early Literacy programme are already attending school. The Studio’s curriculum provides the foundation for the programme, while teaching can also take account of a child’s school curriculum, current classroom work, and particular learning needs where appropriate.
The programme is not tied to a single national curriculum, allowing it to work alongside children attending schools in different educational systems.
Will my child need books or other materials?
The Studio provides the materials required for lessons, including selected books, teaching resources, and Studio workbooks where appropriate. Some activities may require simple materials available at home, such as paper, pencils, crayons, or other basic writing and drawing materials.
Families do not need to purchase a separate curriculum for the programme.
How does online learning work?
Lessons take place online through video conferencing. The Studio may use platforms such as Zoom, or Google Meet depending on the arrangement for the learner.
Digital materials and independent activities may also be shared through Microsoft OneNote. Families have access to the Studio’s learning portal, where they can view relevant programme information, weekly learning outlines, lesson materials, and other updates relating to their child’s programme.
What happens after the 16 weeks?
At the end of the programme, the learner’s development is reviewed in relation to the work undertaken during the term. The Studio identifies areas that have developed, areas that may require further attention, and possible next steps for continued learning.
Where appropriate, a learner may continue into another Studio programme or a further period of Early Literacy teaching.
Interested in Early Literacy?
If you would like to enquire about the Early Literacy programme, you can say a little about your child and what you are looking for.