St John’s Lutheran School utilises a targeted Literacy Support Program called “Spelfabet” for students who are finding reading and writing challenging. Spelfabet is a carefully sequenced program which focuses on sounds and spellings using explicit, systematic synthetic phonics, giving students a solid foundation on which to build their fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and written expression. Spelfabet compliments our SMART Spelling and Big Write Literacy programs.
Please see the video below of Alison Clarke, creator of Spelfabet, discussing the challenges of literacy for some children.

As is consistent practice across all that we do at St John’s, a partnership between parents and the school is crucial. Parents are part of the decision making process and student progress is discussed with parents before children enter the Spelfabet program.
The program works in either small group sessions or individualised support for students. Our Learning Coaches withdraw students for short, sharp booster sessions three times each week, focussing in on identified weakness. In these sessions, as an example, students may manipulate the Spelfabet Moveable Alphabet (hands-on activity), complete work sheets, play Spelfabet games, engage in letter and sound recognition activities or practice reading with decodable readers.
Students are closely monitored on the program and assessment is conducted at the beginning and end of each term, so that we can collect data and see the progress being made by the students.
Below are some videos which give more detail about elements of the program. Please contact the Learning Enhancement Specialist if you would like further information about this valuable program.