In Term 2, the Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) was introduced to my learners. Before its implementation, the entire school staff attended a professional development programme to gain an understanding of the approach. The training took place at the Ellerslie Event Centre, located at 100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland 1051, on Monday, May 5th, and Tuesday, May 6th, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Additionally, there was a third-day online workshop held on Friday, June 6th.
The workshops were quite intense but very informative. There was a lot of personal engagement and hands-on learning, which helped us gain a deeper understanding of the BSLA framework and how to apply it effectively in our classrooms. During the sessions, we were also introduced to two important websites that support the programme:
https://www.betterstartassessment.com/
https://my.uconline.ac.nz/
Implementing BSLA required conducting several individual assessments with each learner. These one-on-one assessments were essential for accurately identifying students’ literacy needs and tracking their progress. However, managing these assessments proved to be quite challenging due to the time and attention each learner required. Despite the challenges, the experience was valuable and provided a strong foundation for improving literacy outcomes in the classroom.
The Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) online site offers teachers access to extensive professional learning and teaching resources, including self-directed modules, lesson plans, assessments, and video exemplars.
For teachers enrolled in the microcredential professional development, the site provides:
Self-directed learning: Online, guided modules that cover all aspects of the BSLA.
Lesson plans and resources: Detailed teaching materials for both classroom-wide and small-group instruction. These resources include activities for oral language, phonological awareness, and phonics instruction.
Online assessment platform: Valid and reliable online tools for assessing student literacy progress. It also provides integrated reporting to help track a child's development.
Video exemplars: A library of high-quality videos that show structured literacy practices in action within New Zealand classrooms.
Decodable readers: Access to resources like the Ready to Read – Phonics Plus early readers series, which is aligned with the BSLA curriculum.
Online communities and live support: Live online sessions, known as Communities of Practice, provide ongoing support and collaboration opportunities for teachers.
Game-based app: A game-based app to help young learners (ages 5–8) build foundational phonics and spelling skills.
Free and open access resources
The BSLA site also offers free resources that are not part of the microcredential courses, such as:
Free online short course: A course titled "A Better Start to Reading" is available for both professionals and parents. It focuses on foundational skills for 4- to 6-year-olds.
Phonological Awareness Training (PAT): Free resources are available for Professor Gail Gillon's PAT programs, including assessment tools and lesson plans.
BSLA Letterbox: A newsletter to keep educators updated on the approach.
The Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) UC Online Essentials site provides teachers with access to a comprehensive suite of resources, self-directed modules, and materials for delivering evidence-based literacy instruction. The online site is part of the microcredential courses offered by the University of Canterbury for professional learning and development.
Core content for BSLA teachers
Online learning modules: Self-paced modules cover the BSLA in detail, including structured literacy concepts like systematic synthetic phonics, phonological awareness, and oral language.
Lesson plans and resources: Teachers receive access to detailed, step-by-step lesson plans and a variety of teaching materials for both large-group classroom activities and small-group reading sessions.
Online assessment platform: A dedicated platform offers monitoring assessments for students aged five and six. This allows teachers to track children's literacy development and inform their instruction.
Teaching materials: Resources include lesson plans, game activities, and the Ready to Read – Phonics Plus series of early readers, which are aligned with the BSLA scope and sequence.
Video library: High-quality videos show structured literacy in action, providing teachers with practical classroom exemplars.
Whānau engagement materials: The site includes resources like workshop templates and letters to parents to facilitate school-to-home partnerships.
Reading materials: Access to a variety of texts is provided, including the BSLA-aligned decodable readers, Junior and School Journals, and the Connect series.
Related professional learning options
Microcredential courses: Beyond the Essentials site, UC Online offers formal microcredential courses for teachers that lead to professional certification in the BSLA.
"A Better Start to Reading" short course: A free, non-credential course is also available online for professionals and parents. It focuses on the foundational skills of early reading for children aged 4–6 years.
