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No. 43 June 2005 No. 42 March 2005 No. 41 December 2004 No. 40 September 2004 No. 39 June 2004 No. 38 March 2004 No. 37 December 2003 No. 36 September 2003 No. 35 June 2003 No. 34 March 2003 No. 33 December 2002 No. 32 September 2002 No. 31 June 2002

No. 30 March 2002 No. 29 December 2001 No. 28 September 2001 No. 27 June 2001 No. 26 March 2001 No. 25 December 2000 No. 24 September 2000 No. 23 June 2000 No. 22 March 2000 No. 21 December 1999 No. 20 September 1999 No. 19 June 1999 Earlier issues

No. 43 June 2005

Opinion
The language of discussion Colin Hannaford argues that teachers' classroom practice can prevent pupils from developing discussion skills
Articles
Going keyboard crazy for mental literacy Teacher John Bell describes how quick-fire classroom activities improved literacy levels
Learning to succeed How Success For All, with its grouping of pupils by reading ability rather than age, has improved reading skills at one primary school
Reading one-to-one Chief executive Angela Monaghan explains how Reading Matters uses mentors to support reading in secondary schools
Drama into writing into drama Pat Farrington explores how drama activities can support pupils' writing skills
Celtic biliteracy Dr Fiona Lyddy examines emerging biliteracy in Celtic languages in the UK and Ireland
Adult literacies in Scotland Fiona MacDonald looks at recent developments in Scottish adult literacy policy
Writing and creative energy Jane Mace discusses the place of writing in the adult literacy core curriculum
Read more, write better - get involved Jane Quinn outlines plans for the BBC's Reading and Writing (RaW) campaign, its biggest ever literacy campaign
Making the vital links John Townsend outlines some of the key ingredients of motivating reading materials for adult learners
Research
Effective teachers of writing Colin Mills describes the classroom practices of effective teachers of writing
Setting in the literacy hour Kate Wall summarises one school's approach to the National Literacy Strategy
Benefits of early literacy-intensive teaching Canadian research findings show the benefits for children from low socio-economic status and minority groups
Domestic literacy in the eighteenth century Morag Styles and Evelyn Arizpe summarise their historical research on Jane Johnson's nursery library

No. 42 March 2005

Opinion
Purpose and pleasure Ofsted Chief Inspector David Bell discusses children's enjoyment of reading
Articles
When reading is no pleasure Reading Recovery national coordinator Julia Douëtil argues that intensive support for struggling readers is worth the investment
'Ron is pants at divination' Pie Corbett reports how one school has bucked the national trend on boys' reading for pleasure
Spelling language Teaching phonics improves pupils' spelling argues Jaz Ampaw-Farr
A game of two halves Richard Scudamore explains why the Premier League values its involvement in education programmes
Parental involvement
Understanding family literacy Viv Bird outlines policy development and new opportunities for involving parents in children's educational development
Champion dads Stephen Torsi outlines dads' involvement in the the Reading Champions initiative
Parents into schools Liz Chamberlain of Reading Is Fundamental, UK provide tried-and-tested tips
Father involvement and children's literacy outcomes Christina Clark provides an overview of current published findings
Research
Believe in what you write Eve Bearne summarises findings from a recent UKLA research project
International comparisons of early literacy Christine Merrell and Peter Tymms report findings from their international research on baseline assessment
Classroom assistants aid reading development Robert Savage reports findings on the role of classroom assistants
Stamping, clapping and chanting improve reading? Marion Long and Susan Hallam discuss their research findings on the impact of rhythmic exercises on children's reading comprehension

No. 41 December 2004

Opinion
Adult literacy is testing my wits Tom Sticht discusses adult literacy statistics and policies in the UK and US
Articles
Creating new heroes Using workshops based around comic superheroes to engage young men in developing their literacy
Family learning in the secondary school How Four Dwellings High School in Birmingham developed one of the first family learning programmes for parents of secondary-age pupils
Leading literacy Deputy headteacher Graham Tyrer explains how a focus on literacy and leadership helped the school to move out of special measures
Interactive literacy How original texts conceived and written for the ICT medium are helping develop new approaches to literacy teaching
Creating resource-rich environments Tips on creating supportive, resource-rich environments to support early writing in the foundation stage
Role-playing literacy How organised role-play can encourage young children to explore unfamiliar language
Bookmark support on reading difficulties Online support for those working with children with reading difficulties
Research
Narrative skills linked to mathematical achievement Dr Daniela O'Neill explores the link between early oral storytelling abilities and achievement in maths
Speech impairments: the case for early intervention Findings from research comparing children who have a family history of dyslexia with children with speech difficulties
Australian assessment in literacy and numeracy Interim findings from an Australian longitudinal study
Perspectives on inclusive early education UK approaches to special educational needs and inclusive early education
Noisy boys and invisible girls? Findings on gender stereotypes and implications for achievement among boys and girls
Changing faces of adult literacy, language and numeracy A report from researchers looking at the changes in adult literacy policy and practice since the 1970s


No. 40 September 2004

Opinion
A difficult balance Early years consultant Ros Bayley argues for more understanding between literacy specialists and early years practitioners
Articles
Big plans for small talk Manager Liz Attenborough introduces Talk To Your Baby's new advocacy kit for professionals
Discovering reading together How a small grants scheme is supporting the Scottish Executive's Read Together Campaign
So, you want to tell a story? A partnership between First Steps and Storysack creator Neil Griffiths has developed a new approach to storytelling
The story of a reader Amelia Foster reports on Reading Connects as it becomes part of the National Reading Campaign to support the development of a whole-school reading culture
Watching language How a resource from the British Film Institute can support literacy teaching at key stage 3
Teach and learn Reversing the roles and turning the learner into the teacher supports pupils who are struggling with literacy at Norwood Girls' School
Writing together Advice for schools on getting the best out of a visit by a professional writer
Social inclusion: the policy challenge Findings so far from the National Literacy Trust project
Research
The impact of the literacy hour Stephen Machin and Sandra McNally of the London School of Economics report
Supporting early oral language skills University of London researchers provide evaluation findings on the Talking Time early years project
Evaluation of the WILSTAAR scheme A report on the effectiveness of the scheme for identifying and treating early language difficulty
Young children, language and television US research findings on the potential language benefits of programmes for infants and toddlers
Looking after Literacy in public care An evaluation of work by Kent County Council


No. 39 June 2004

Opinion
Language experience: what's going on? Jane Mace argues for a "language experience" approach to adult basic skills teaching
Articles
Imitation, innovation and invention Pie Corbett reports on how storytelling can help children use narrative language
Communicating through performance Rochdale Sure Start uses performance art to develop language skills
Building a supportive foundation National director Lesley Staggs on professional support for the foundation stage
Speaking, listening, learning An explanation of new materials from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
Transition with RIF How a reading project can support primary-secondary transition
Entombment or enlightenment? Recommended classroom activities for improving writing
Tools not rules One authority's experience of Grammar for Reading training
YouthBOOX moves on Referring excluded youngsters on to basic skills provision
Stepping into gear How Step in to Learning improves parents' literacy skills, and motivation to learn
Research feature: television and early language
Reviewing the evidence Dr Robin Close discusses the available evidence on television and early language
Television's impact on reading skills Dr Elizabeth Vandewater presents her research findings
Viewing habits and language development Findings from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children
Teletubbies teaches first words? Dr Marina Krcmar and Dr Bernard Grela report their findings on language learning in children under two
Research
Helping deaf children How teaching morphology can support deaf children's reading and spelling
A matter of time? Dr Clare Wood on the connection between reading ability, phonological awareness and sensitivity to speech rhythm

No. 38 March 2004

Opinion
Changing expectations Alan Wells on the impact of poverty - aspirational as well as financial
Foundations of literacy Sue Palmer argues for more emphasis on early language development
Articles
A new way of seeing New resources help teachers use film to develop early literacy skills
Young writers tune into the music Action research shows how 'performance' reading aloud aids writing
Lambeth finds Black Caribbean success Identifying factors associated with educational achievement
Assessment for literacy? How Assessment for Learning can support whole-school literacy teaching
One Toe at a time Using Toe by Toe to improve the literacy skills of both adults and children
Buddying benefits Maximising support for literacy in the local community
Research
PEEP - supporting parents as first educators Dr Maria Evangelou reports on her evaluation of PEEP
Children's attitudes to reading Marian Sainsbury presents findings on changes since 1998
Morphological awareness improves spelling and vocabulary Evidence from a University of Oxford study
Evaluating Further Literacy Support Findings from the University of Leeds' evaluation of the National Literacy Strategy's Year 5 intervention
Researching adult learners' lives Early findings from a three-year project on basic skills learners

No. 37 December 2003

Articles
'Read it with a Northern twang like Miss!' Teachers' action research investigates the relationship between 'performance' reading aloud and the teaching of reading
Leading the way in literacy How the Leading Literacy Schools initiative will provide a structured approach for the dissemination of successful practice
Tackling education the Welsh way Jane Davidson, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, explains her vision for turning Wales into 'The Learning Country'
Scotland builds bridges in literacy and learning A national pilot project in Scotland is working to combat the learning dip at the start of secondary schools
A city-wide approach Belfast's cross-sector literacy forum is coordinating efforts to improve literacy in order to ensure a real and lasting impact
Crossing pen friend divides A long-term member shares her experiences of Write Away, a pen-friend club that encourages communication between those with disabilities and those without
Audio resources for adults Why one publishing company, WF Howes, is concentrating its efforts on developing audio books for adult literacy learners
Libraries put vision into action Andrew Stevens explains how the first national vision for public libraries is being implemented, and its role in promoting reading and learning
Feature: NLT 10th anniversary
10 years to finish the job NLT director Neil McClelland reflects on the first 10 years of the Trust and how, if it is properly resourced, it could achieve its aim of building a literate nation in the next 10
How far have we come? - A visual timeline maps the major developments affecting literacy policy and practice since the Trust was set up in 1993. Schools - Adults
Research
The role of museums, archives and libraries Findings on the role of the museums, archives and libraries sector in improving adult basic skills
Assessing early literacy in five languages The Early Literacy Assessment Project is working with partners in Ireland, Spain, Denmark and Slovakia to assess literacy learning on entering school
Biliteracy benefits Dr Charmian Kenner reports findings on the benefits of literacy experiences in more than one language
Specific language and communication difficulties Professor Julie Dockrell and Professor Geoff Lindsay present findings on how specific language and communication difficulties impact on written language

No. 36 September 2003

Articles
Child's play Headteacher Gail Bedford explains her approach to play-based learning in early education
Excellence and Enjoyment Director Kevan Collins on the aims of the new National Primary Strategy
Improving children's life chances Early intervention and prevention in speech and language therapy
The keys to inclusion How one school has worked to improve standards by addressing a wide range of factors
A learning holiday Using extended visits abroad to encourage family learning and acknowledge other cultures and languages
First steps - into the library Libraries help parents support their children's reading - one project's approach
Supporting cast... or key players? The role of teaching assistants in supporting literacy at key stage 3
Mobile learning Can mobile phones play a role in teaching basic skills to young people?
Feature: International
Making international comparisons How the literacy standards of UK pupils compare internationally
Looking for leadership in literacy learning The New Zealand approach
From oracy to literacy Dr Thomas G. Sticht explains the concept of 'reading potential' in adults
Research
Community at the core? The role of 'community-focused' provision in improving adult basic skills
Assessing the evidence on parental involvement Findings from a recent Government literature review
Peer assisted learning for inclusion Professor Keith Topping on peer learning in literacy
REAL involvement for parents Professor Peter Hannon and Dr Cathy Nutbrown report findings from Sheffield's pre-school family literacy project
Making early non-fiction exciting Dr Margaret Mallett gives examples how

No. 35 June 2003

Opinion
The fourth R Sue Palmer argues for a return of reading aloud to the primary classroom
Articles
An early start helps everyone Pre-school project improves the literacy skills of children and adults
Read aloud and learn Maths teacher Colin Hannaford on how to create confident, self-reliant learners
Learning mentors lead on literacy Helping low-attaining pupils to take responsibility for their learning
Making links How Literacy Across the Curriculum fits in with other strands of the KS3 Strategy
Nervous talk George Low talks to Graham Frater about the importance of verbal communication
Inside education How HMP Channings Wood's Higher Access Programme gets prisoners into university
Feature: Reading promotion
On the ball Football pundit and Reading Champion Robbie Earle on promoting reading for pleasure
Reaching out to families How can libraries encourage family reading among non-users?
Get connected NLT initiative promotes reading across the whole secondary school community
Research
Interactive whole class teaching The use of whole class talk during literacy lessons
Raising boys' achievement terim findings from the University of Cambridge's major research project
Emergent techno-literacy The impact of television, computers and mobile phones on early literacy
Oral language difficulties Specific speech and language difficulties and literacy
The language of African-Caribbean success Early findings suggest school and home should work closer together to encourage academic success

No. 34 March 2003

Opinion
Language, register and power Dr Paul Simpson explores their use in a range of contexts
Articles
Bookstart grows up The national baby book-gifting project now works across all early years age ranges
Elements of effective teaching Dr Robert Slavin describes the four key elements
Phonic problems Why are phonics programmes less popular in inner-city schools?
Success for early literacy support Outline of the programme pioneered by the Fischer Family Trust
Talk is vital Alan Howe on speaking and listening within the Key Stage 3 Strategy
Teaching writing Interview with Graham Frater on successful practice across key stages 2 and 3
Basic skills with a purpose Integrated provision within the Prince's Trust Volunteers Programme
Getting employers on board Basic skills improvement as part of the wider business development strategy
Research
Use it or lose it Dr Rhona Stainthorp presents her findings on teachers' phonological skills
Dyslexia support - one size does not fit all Dr John Rack on the effectiveness of different teaching methods for children with literacy difficulties
Grammar, spoken English and literacy Professor Ronald Carter reports on a current QCA research project
What works for children with literacy difficulties? Professor Greg Brooks examines fresh evidence
Home and school literacy Ann Williams reports on early findings on home literacy practices in families from different social backgrounds

No. 33 December 2002

Articles
The National Literacy Strategy: beyond 2002 Professor David Hopkins reviews progress and continuing challenges
What's a good question? How do teachers' questions in the classroom affect learning ? Classroom-based action research
Common approaches to languages and literacy Reading and writing in a foreign language support children's literacy
Breaking out with basic skills Report on how prisoners are working to improve their basic skills
Opening doors to adult literacy Author Patricia Scanlan writes about popular Irish fiction written specifically for adult literacy learners
The art of reading One project's use of art to stimulate discussion in family literacy sessions
Feature: ICT
Using ICT to improve literacy How to make best use of ICT packages to support literacy in secondary classrooms
Online book worlds Using the Internet to encourage book-based discussion and role play
Literacy help online Online literacy development activities allow adults to take control
Making the Internet special Dr Chris Abbott outlines work with secondary schools using the Internet with SEN pupils
Research
Basic skills research update Professor David Barton provides an update on the new adult basic skills research centre
Phonological awareness improves word recall Dr Maureen Dixon and Dr Morag Stuart report on their research
Early literacy intervention Why don't some children benefit from standard early literacy intervention?
Urdu aids phonological awareness The effect of Urdu vocabulary size on single word reading in English

No. 32 September 2002

Opinion
Talk tall Director Neil McClelland outlines the background to the Trust's early language campaign
Articles
Business volunteers The benefits for pupils and employees in two initiatives
Whole brain learning for literacy Graham Tyrer reflects on how the principles may be used to support literacy teaching
Focus on spelling Practical suggestions using an investigative approach
Literacy in the gallery The impact of Tate's Visual Paths project
A Carnegie winner Viv Bird reflects on Terry Pratchett's win and the role of shadowing in inspiring pupils
Overcoming barriers Julia Strong reviews the first year of the key stage 3 strategy
Making the Vital Link A project exploring the potential of libraries in supporting adult basic skills development
Skills for Life: one year on Viv Bird reviews progress on the national adult literacy and numeracy strategy
Reaching fathers New ideas for involving dads in their children's literacy
Feature: International
Changing literacy practices The use of real-life texts in adult literacy teaching
Examining the causes of dyslexia How to design effective programmes for adult dyslexic students
What makes 'good' literacy and numeracy provision Key principles from work in rural Australia
Literacy support in vocational training An Australian initiaitive to integrate provision
Research
Parents' role in pre-school education Researchers from the University of Wales on the Tandem project
Catching up - or falling behind? Evidence shows children starting nursery with poor language skills do not catch up easily
Tackling challenging children The link between inattentive and hyperactive behaviour and poor educational attainment

No. 31 June 2002

Opinion
Reviewing the literacy hour Julia Strong on feedback from primary teachers attending NLT conferences
Articles
'Thumbs up' for early literacy support Government programme to help children struggling in the first years of school
Guided reading develops fluency An effective model for using guided reading with readers at all stages of fluency
Bridging the gap One secondary school's work with primary colleagues to ensure a smooth transition between the two for pupils
Whole school literacy: raising the game Developing literacy policy in the light of the key stage 3 strategy
Writing class inspires the homeless Report on the Ace of Clubs project, supported by Consignia's Stepping Stone fund
On track with basic skills Basic skills support at Virgin Trains
Feature: Reading Promotion
Fully booked up all year round Ideas from Cramlington High School's programme of reading activities
Chatterbooks and the Reading Challenge Support for schools from public library-based projects
Talking books National Reading Campaign manager Genevieve Clarke invites us to Swap a Book and updates us on the campaign's progress
Research
Reading schemes versus 'real books' revisited Dr Jonathan Solity looks at the research evidence
Narrative writing A school-based research programme sponsored by the United Kingdom Reading Association
Sibling support Professor Eve Gregory outlines the findings of a research project on how siblings contribute to home literacy development

No. 30 March 2002

A tale of a storyteller Michael Morpurgo describes how he rediscovered the joys of literacy
Primary
Bringing the literacy hour to life Literacy projects in museums and galleries
Interactive skeletons promote writing How one school has used writing skeletons alongside interactive technology
Effective marking How marking can be used to support children in their writing and get reluctant writers started
Secondary
A whole-school language strategy Strategies to meet the challenges of a linguistically diverse school
From Inset to action How do you follow up a whole-school literacy training day and put ideas into practice?
Schools/community
Getting parents on board Share: a school-based parental involvement project
Weaving and writing ROWA! project demonstrates innovative use of ICT in family literacy
Sporting chances How sports clubs can support literacy work
Skills for Life
The Pathfinder Way Innovative approaches to attracting new learners
School caretakers improve skills Vocational training incorporates literacy
Research
Dyslexia: teaching to strengths and weaknesses New research on the effectiveness of two different approaches
NLS: SEN pupils fall behind? How the national literacy strategy impacts on pupils with special needs

No. 29 December 2001

The National Literacy Strategy: three years on NLS director Steve Anwyll reviews progress
A tale from the Bronx A London headteacher's reflections on US programmes to raise literacy achievement
Arts
Libraries back learning Public libraries' drive to support literacy
Doing stories US early years educationalist Vivian Gussin Paley describes how storytelling activities can develop oracy, social skills and confidence
Primary
Phonics fun Gloucestershire LEA project tests out different approaches to teaching phonics
Improving writing Improving children's writing through individual target setting
Primary/secondary
Skeletons for writing Sue Palmer describes the new NLS cross-curricular writing strategy
Secondary
Making progress Putting the Literacy Progress Units into practice
A dialogue on literacy Professor David Wray describes a new framework to support literacy across the curriculum
Secondary reading volunteers A partnership between Hanson school in Bradford and charity Reading Matters for Life
Adult
The Big Book Share Tricia Kings describes a family reading project among inmates at HMP Nottingham
The Pathfinder experience Piloting the adult basic skills standards, curriculum and national tests
Research
Project EASE: a US success story Pioneering US parenting education programme
Parental support A Department of Health backed initiative supports parents with their child's behaviour as well as reading
Evaluating early intervention The evaluation of Scotland's Early Intervention Programme

No. 28 September 2001

Seeing the big picture Trust director Neil McClelland explains why systems thinking is the key to building a literate nation
Partnerships
Opening the pages Reading Is Fundamental, UK working in partnership with the British Library
Housing can help Housing's role in early language and literacy partnerships
Basic skills for living How Stonham Housing provides basic skills training for its service users
Primary
Seventeenth century drama Role-play and drama at Clarke Hall Educational Museum
Summer literacy festivities How a week of literacy celebrations enthused the whole community
Reading Champions National Reading Campaign celebrates reading role models
Secondary
Year of writing A year-long focus on writing at Market Weighton school, East Yorkshire
What has the literacy hour done for us? Julia Strong reflects on the impact of the primary literacy strategy on secondary schools
Across the Mersey A snapshot of Liverpool schools' approaches to literacy across the curriculum
Adult
Basic skills support Help further education students improve their basic skills
Research
Developing thinking skills Paired thinking - a development on the paired reading technique
Why do action research? The thinking behind TTA funding for action research in schools
Learning from boys Research by Suffolk LEA shows there are lessons to be learned from the experiences of high-achieving boys

No. 27 June 2001

Language across the curriculum comes to life Michael Marland welcomes the reintroduction of cross-curricular language teaching
Regeneration
Building vibrant communities The challenge for improving adult basic skills in deprived communities
Primary
Talk for writing The thinking behind the the NLS's Developing Early Writing materials
Push On Writing! A resource kit for classroom assistants and volunteers
Reading rights Reading project targeting children in public care
Positive changes Modifying the NLS to meet pupils' needs
Secondary
Flying high A summer holiday project for those moving from primary to secondary education
Bilingual benefits Involving EAL teachers in literacy training
Reading promotion
Let's make them lust How Readathon can change children's attitudes to books
Adult
Dads and other superheroes Nottinghamshire library project working with fathers
Unions take the lead The role of unions in improving basic skills in the workplace
Creative family literacy Using arts, drama and crafts to make family literacy fun
Research
Early attainment Findings of the Effective Provision of Pre-school Education (EPPE) project
Deafness and reading Helping deaf children to read

No. 26 March 2001

Extra article: Secondary literacy success, Myrtle Springs School, Sheffield

The national literacy strategy - recognition of success Michael Barber charts the progress of the National Literacy Strategy
New readers
Business support for storysacks Harlow businesses join the city's drive to improve basic skills
Once upon a time... Viv Bird talks to Neil Griffiths about storysacks
Partners in reading Hounslow's approach to promoting books and library membership
Getting out there An overview of the the DCMS/Wolfson public libraries challenge fund projects
Early years
Shared Beginnings Helping parents develop their young children's language and learning skills
Literacy in Sure Start Professor Peter Hannon on how Sure Start offers unprecedented opportunities for pre-school and family literacy work
Primary
Make time for storytime Children's books should not just be support for teaching says Prue Goodwin
Global lessons An international approach to non-fiction in the literacy hour from ActionAid
Raising boys' achievement Essex action research project
Primary/secondary
Bridging the gap A project to counter the dip in achievement for children transferring from primary and secondary school
Secondary
Secondary literacy made simple NLT deputy director Julia Strong explains the background to the extension of the National Literacy Strategy
Adults
On the front line Poor health and poor literacy go hand in hand. Harlow health development advisor Hilary Durbin explains
Research
Boys, girls and writing Elaine Millard describes a new study that has found significant differences between girls and boys in their attitude to writing

No. 25 December 2000

Notschool.net Professor Stephen Heppell describes a virtual learning project for young people outside mainstream education
Early years
Wrapped in literacy A project to raise literacy awareness in nursery schools in North Ayrshire.
Investing in the early years Family learning in Stoke on Trent
ICT
Computers and literacy: efficiency, extension or transformation? Peter Scrimshaw, Centre for Language and Communications, The Open University
Computers in the literacy hour Cutting, pasting, underlining and highlighting - some of the simple tools for effective use of ICT
ICT anyone, anytime, anywhere E-pals and lap tops help improve children's literacy and motivation
Primary
Speaking to learn Five and six-year-olds develop their questioning and reasoning skills
Reading promotion
YouthBoox Young people discover a passion for reading thanks to a partnership of libraries and youthworkers
Secondary
Key skills and literacy A secondary school integrates key skills and literacy into every aspect of the curriculum
Positively speaking Graham Tyrer on how promoting the language of cooperation, gratitude and praise is the first step to raising achievement
Tools for learning Computers support literacy and learning whatever the subject
Community partnerships
Zone community links Learning Partnerships in Leeds is running a small Education Action Zone.
Adult
Learn at your leisure Learndirect, the progress so far
Workplace Basic Skills Network Fiona Frank, coordination manager of the Network describes the Government's Building Basic Skills in the Workplace initiative
Research
BabyTalk Dr Sally Ward describes a language development programme that parents can do with their children for just half an hour a day

No. 24 September 2000

Partnerships
A whole community approach The Newport literacy team reports on their successes over the last four years
Creating a literacy culture Janet Hunter, director of the Newcastle Literacy Trust reports on an independent evaluation
Travellers
From bookbags to driving theory A booksharing project in Brent that has attracted traveller parents into learning
Travellers research own learning needs Belfast Traveller and Education Group
Library partnerships
Ice hockey, basketball and libraries Manchester libraries team up with local ice hockey and basketball teams
Small stories, big impact A storysack project with Asian elders in Southampton
Primary
Boys catch up and overtake Primary school changes reading culture and sees dramatic improvements in boys result
Targeted language support Involving the parents of bilingual children
Writing nearly 'cracked' A primary school's approach to improving writing
The Phonic Handbook A primary teacher describes a fun way to teach children using phonics
Adult
Intensive literacy courses in the workplace Thurrock Council staff take part in basic skills courses
Inclusion
A great story Storytelling roadshow using sound, video and tactile books
Secondary
Challenges facing the literacy coordinator Christine Counsell, Cambridge University School of Education argues that  subjects matter
What is emotional literacy? Understanding emotional literacy is key to helping young people succeed
Research
Popular culture in the classroom How teletubbies and batman motivate young readers. Jackie Marsh, University of Sheffield
A step after phonics Professor Terezinha Nunes, Oxford Brookes University and Professor Peter Bryant, Oxford University
International issues
Family literacy: five steps to success Canadian family literacy programme - William T. Fagan, St John's Memorial University, Newfoundland
Help! Liam cannot read Parents and their children's literacy - Adrienne Huber, Edith Cowan University, Australia
The Canadian challenge, Senior research associate Nancy Watson, University of Toronto describes the approach taken to evaluating the UK national literacy and numeracy strategies
Achieving coherence - the Ohio literacy initiative
Changing lives in Texas Even Start family literacy programme

No. 23 June 2000

Skills for life David Puttnam on the need to be literate in a changing world
Primary
Read any good films lately? How films can be used to support the literacy hour
Action zone arts North Southwark EAZ has teamed up with arts to improve literacy in the area
Signposts to literacy The London Transport Museum's work with school and libraries
/P/ for popcorn The literacy hour in reception class
The medium is the message Progression in Phonics - how the DfEE pack can be used
Reading promotion
Discussions around the photocopier Reading groups at work
An unusual partnership Asda and libraries promoting reading together
Whole school literacy
Sporting words PE and literacy in Old Hall School, South Yorkshire
A literacy policy in action Fortismere School's approach
Adults
Accelerated literacy learning for adults The New Deal in Fife
Images of illiteracy David Barton, literacy professor at Lancaster University
Research
Cost-effective intervention Professor Rod Nicholson, Sheffield University describes research that has led to a cost-effective reading intervention programme
Training for classroom assistants University of Hertfordshire working with Hertfordshire LEA
 

No. 22 March 2000

Global words Sir Herman Ousely argues for a multi-cultural curriculum
Library partnerships
Youth workers and librarians unite! Tom Wylie, chief executive, National Youth Agency, describes a reading partnership which reaches socially excluded young people
Literacy and care
Talking pictures Jan Clements describes how teenagers in care made their own graphic novels
Leaving care: into reading Young people leaving care have signed up up to become Buddy Readers in an award-winning project
Working with parents
Partners in the fast lane Parents learn how to support their children's reading though informal workshops
Keeping up with the kids Parents in Leicester find out about the literacy hour by doing it themselves
Parents in partnership A Reading Is Fundamental project support a partnership between a library and a parents group
Whole school literacy
Science and whole-school literacy South Camden Community School's approach to literacy and science
The Roade to reading, A school reading scheme supported by RIF makes reading fun and raises standards
Reluctant readers
Just good reads Consulting children is key to producing books that appeal to the hesitant reader
Literacy hour
Making the hour your own Consultant and writer Sue Palmer on the literacy hour
Arts link supports literacy drive Artists in residence in three school helped bring books and stories alive
Research
Small school success Research indicates that small rural schools have not found the literacy hour problematic and children have benefited from mixed age classes Success For All (part 2) How Success For All fits the National Literacy Strategy
 

No. 21 December 1999

Partnerships
Partnerships for LiteracyThe first national conference of the National Literacy Trust provided opportunities to hear about literacy developments at strategic planning level
Skills for life A company training centre - at Xerox - offers employees and their relatives the chance to improve their basic skills through IT training. Update: November 2000 the Royal Forest of Dean College won a bid to run the area's new online learning centre - Learndirect. It opens in February 2001 on the Xerox site.
Primary First steps to improving literacy  Wrexham LEA has adopted First Steps, a research-based literacy resource developed in Western Australia that provides teachers with practical classroom strategies
An hour of fun A Lambeth headteacher on how a Year 1 literacy hour can provide a range of creative activities to make the lesson an exciting learning experience for children
Non-fiction for bored readers  The new Headwork non-fiction series (Oxford University Press) attempts to hook in reluctant readers through non-fiction. The series editor explains
Secondary Teaching underachieving boys  Highly structured, reward-based teaching raises boys' achievement at GCSE English
A focus on grammar  A Sheffield secondary school learns lessons from the literacy hour model used by English primary schools
Scotland
Language initiatives in Scotland  Testing, inspections and target setting are on the increase as part of the drive to raise attainment in Scotland
Libraries
Schools and libraries read together The Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Shadowing Scheme enables pupils from different schools to give presentations and talk about shortlisted books
Adults
Reaching disadvantaged parents Finding new ways to attract parents who are socially and/or economically disadvantaged is key to widening participation in lifelong learning
Research
Boys and non-fiction: cause or effect?  A two-year study looked into whether boys' underachievement in reading might be linked to their preference for non-fiction texts
Success For All (part 1) An American reading programme is a more intensive way of delivering the National Literacy Strategy
Drama in and out of the literacy hour The role that drama plays in children's development has been recognised for many years, yet all too often its contribution to literacy development is overlooked

No. 20 September 1999

Making literacy across the curriculum effective Julia Strong, deputy director, National Literacy Trust
Reaching out to parents Liverpool Parent-School Partnership
A time for creative partnerships Surrey's approach to the National Year of Reading
Literacy in prisons  How an NYR-funded project aided dyslexic prisoners in Pentonville
Curiosity Kits An evaluation of the effectiveness of non-fiction book bags
Literacy hour How one special school adapted the literacy hour for visually impaired children
Questioning Phonics Henrietta Dombey analyses the research evidence
 

No. 19 June 1999

Language learning for all Making a case for mother tongue teaching
A flexible friend How one LEA supports a flexible approach to the literacy hour
The power of language A Key Stage 3 project school's literacy strategy
"Press hash for one..."  How technology is affecting children's learning
Success for All Volunteers from Boots help schools to raise standards

Earlier issues

Early years
Write from the start  Nigel Hall makes a case for real communication as well as phonics and spelling exercises (June 1998)
Family literacy
Norfolk Family Literacy Programme Storysacks and family literacy (June 1998)
Family Learning  Osborne Adult Education Centre (June 1998)
Literacy hour
Interview with John Stannard, Director of the National Literacy Strategy (September 1997)
One teacher's view of the hour (September 1997)
Early impressions of the literacy hour (September 1997)
Primary-age reading initiatives
The Catch Up project (September 1998)
Reading Recovery (December 1998)
What works for slow readers? Greg Brooks examines the evidence for early intervention (September 1998)
Adults and youth
Branching Out  Choosing a book made easy (March 1999)
Literacy for life Writing through real-life issues for disadvantaged 15-year-olds (December 1998)
Writing from experience - writing by, and for, adult beginner reader and writers (June 1998)
Streetreach Poet Ian McMillan with words on the street in Doncaster (June 1998)
Writing empowers unemployed youth A magazine for young people with something to say (December 1998)
Football training leads to better communication Working with refugee families in Southwark (September 1998)
Assessment
Assessment - weighing the pig or raising achievement? (June 1998)