Structured literacy approaches for years 0-8

Structured literacy approaches provide a clear, systematic, and evidence-based method for teaching oral language, reading, writing, and comprehension. At Evaluation Associates, we support schools to embed structured literacy across Years 0-8, ensuring every learner develops the essential skills to succeed. 

We offer professional learning and development (PLD) tailored to support whole-school literacy development and targeted support for older learners (Years 7-8) who still require explicit, structured instruction. 

Structured literacy in years 0-3 

Early literacy development is crucial in setting students up for long-term success. Our support for Years 0-3 helps teachers implement structured literacy approaches that build strong foundations in oral language, reading and writing. We support schools to: 

• develop oral language and phonemic awareness to support early literacy development

• implement phonics-based instruction to build strong decoding and word recognition skills

• strengthen early writing skills, including spelling, sentence structure, and emergent text creation

• foster vocabulary development and comprehension strategies from the earliest years

• Use structured, cumulative literacy teaching to provide a solid foundation for future learning. 

By embedding structured literacy in the early years, schools ensure that learners acquire essential skills that enable ongoing literacy success. 

Structured literacy in years 4-6 

As learners progress through Years 4-6, structured literacy continue to play a critical role in reinforcing reading, writing, and oral language skills. The PLD focuses on developing fluency, comprehension, and written expression to ensure students are confident, capable readers and writers. We support schools to: 

• strengthen fluency and automaticity to support reading comprehension. 

• teach morphology and spelling patterns to improve vocabulary and spelling accuracy. 

• develop comprehension strategies that help students understand, analyse, and respond to texts. 

• expand academic vocabulary to support engagement with complex texts. 

• guide writing structure and coherence to improve planning, drafting, and refining written work. 

• encourage critical thinking and discussion skills to foster deeper engagement with texts. 

By reinforcing structured literacy in Years 4-6, schools provide learners with the ongoing skill development needed to confidently navigate more advanced literacy demands. 

Structured literacy in years 7-8 

For many learners, literacy challenges persist into intermediate years, making explicit structured literacy critical. Our Years 7-8 PLD ensures older learners continue to build strong literacy skills to succeed in more complex reading and writing tasks. We support teachers to: 

• use explicit teaching strategies to strengthen literacy skills for learners who need additional support. 

• embed structured literacy approaches into academic writing, comprehension, and vocabulary development

• recognise and respond to the unique literacy needs of adolescent learners

• align instruction with NCEA literacy requirements, helping learners transition into secondary learning with confidence. 

Structured literacy at this level ensures that learners who have gaps in decoding, fluency, and comprehension receive targeted instruction to develop essential literacy skills. Our facilitators work closely with schools to integrate structured literacy into Years 7-8 programmes, ensuring students gain the skills needed for academic success. 

Why choose our structured literacy PLD? 

Structured literacy ensures every learner develops essential literacy skills, reducing the likelihood of students struggling later in their education. Our approach is: 

• explicit and direct – teaching literacy skills step by step, with no guesswork. 

• systematic and cumulative – building knowledge progressively to reinforce understanding. 

• evidence-based – grounded in the science of learning, supporting all learners, including those with diverse needs. 

• targeted and responsive – helping students at all levels, including those who require additional support. 

How to get started 

• Schools can apply for Ministry-funded PLD for structured literacy approaches support. 

• Our years 7-8 support is open for new schools, and we encourage early registrations. 

• Want to learn more? Contact us today to explore how we can support your school. 

Do you need tailored sessions?

Let us help you embed structured literacy in a way that works for your school. 

Dates and locations overview

Please note there are 8 CoPs in total, we have only listed the date for the first session.

How to register 

• Applications for Cohort 4 are now open. 

• Ministry-funded PLD applications close on 3 March. 

• We are accepting registrations from 17-24 March. 

• Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged. 

Register below from 17-24 March