Structured literacy approaches for years 7-8: Te Manu Ārahi

By years 7-8, students need to apply their literacy skills to increasingly complex texts and writing tasks. Te Manu Ārahi supports teachers in guiding learners to: 

• develop academic vocabulary and deeper comprehension skills 

• strengthen fluency and decoding for more advanced texts 

• apply structured literacy strategies to subject-specific reading and writing 

• think critically and express ideas clearly.

This structured literacy professional learning and development (PLD) ensures continuity with structured literacy practices used in earlier years while addressing the unique challenges of older learners. 

Te Manu Ārahi: Finding and using their voice 

At year 7-8, learners refine their literacy skills to articulate, question, and advocate for ideas. Inspired by the kākā, this PLD focuses on how literacy enables students to find their voice while valuing and responding to the voices of others. 

He manu e mōhio ana ki te ahurei o tōna reo i te ao whānui 
A bird that knows the uniqueness of its voice in the wider world. 

He manu e hāpai ana i ngā reo a tūī, a kākā, a korimako 
A bird that uses its voice to advocate with and for others. 

Te Manu Ārahi ensures that literacy isn’t just about reading and writing - it’s about understanding perspectives, engaging with the world, and using literacy as a tool for empowerment. 

The structured literacy learning process for teachers 

Our sequence of CoPs and full day workshops aligns with the gradual release model (I do, we do, you do), ensuring teachers receive explicit, structured learning before applying it independently in their teaching. 

• Communities of Practice (CoPs): A collaborative space where teachers activate, share, and develop knowledge together. Reflection and refinement, ensuring literacy instruction translates into classroom success. 

• Full-day workshops: Targeted support for teaching advanced literacy skills, including morphology, comprehension, fluency, and academic writing. 

Culturally responsive teaching through Niho Taniwha 

Through Niho Taniwha, we help teachers: 

• strengthen student identity and agency through culturally responsive literacy practices 

• support diverse learners by making connections between texts and their lived experiences 

• foster whānau and community engagement, ensuring relevant, meaningful literacy learning.

This approach ensures that literacy is not just a skill but a meaningful way for students to engage with the world around them. 

Why this PLD matters for years 7-8 

A structured literacy approach in years 7-8 is crucial to: 

• close literacy gaps for students who may not have had structured literacy instruction in earlier years 

• develop critical literacy skills for deeper engagement with complex texts 

• ensure a consistent, school-wide literacy approach that benefits all students 

• support students transitioning to secondary school with strong literacy foundations 
   

Through Te Manu Ārahi, teachers gain the expertise and confidence to provide structured literacy instruction that meets the diverse needs of older learners. 

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