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- abstract below
- a PowerPoint presentation is available on the conference CD.
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The Development of Sounds Great: A phonological package for early years

David Lumsdon

Northumberland Psychological Services, Northumberland County Council, Morpeth DLumsdon@aol.com

Abstract

Educational Psychology and Speech and Language Therapy services in Northumberland, through Di Nicholson (SLT) and Dave Lumsdon (EP) identified "Language and Literacy: Joining Together as a multi-disciplinary training package which was piloted in 2 areas of Northumberland. It was well received, and educationalists recognised the need to enhance their skills and askd for information and tools to develop phonological awareness. Preliminary work in producing a package was undertaken involving the Advisory Teachers Early Years and Music, and another Speech Therapist. The combined and varied professional contributions led to Sound Great. The pack was to be evidenced based and practical for the early years. It was piloted among approximately1000 children across 14 schools and contained information and research evidence, a suggested progression for teaching in 10 steps, instructions for the activities and the record sheet. The pack was favourably received. All schools had implemented the pack throug h a teacher or another member of staff mainly in nursery but also Reception. Feed back showed the structured framework; importance of theoretical underpinning, and flexibility of the design were valued. The skills were important enough to warrant regular teaching and some intended to use it as a core activity. Some were surprised by what pupils could achieve, leading raising staff expectations. They pinpointed difficulties and incorporated Sounds Great activities into IEPs Based on this feedback the pack was modified and presented to another group of schools. It is being independently evaluated by Dr Marion Farmer, Northumbria University. In addition continuing research is being undertaken into the benefits of phonological awareness training in the pilot schools.

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