Literacy programme

This programme supports primary school teachers to help deaf pupils develop their reading and writing (literacy) skills. It aims to improve their understanding of English grammar and word structure (morphology and syntax). 

Teachers can first introduce these concepts in schools and then work alongside parents and Teachers of the Deaf to continue developing these skills at home.

Background

In the UK, most deaf children learn to read using a phonological-based approach.

But English also builds words using morphemes (the smallest units of meaning), and deaf children often need extra support to understand and use them.

Research by the University of Oxford shows that learning about morphology can significantly improve literacy outcomes for deaf children. Read our research briefing:

• Document

  The Secrets of Words - Research briefing.pdf (292.78 KB)

This programme was first developed by the University of Oxford. It was funded by the National Deaf Children’s Society and Nuffield Foundation and supported by the British Association of Teachers of the Deaf.

Programme structure

The programme has 10 units. These were originally designed for 10 weeks, but teachers can go at their own pace and adapt materials as needed.

Each unit contains:

• a clear learning objective
• teacher-led lessons (via PowerPoint), done in small groups or one-on-one
• worksheets, games and books for practice – used at school and at home

Each unit builds on the last and should be used in order.

Download our <link>progress sheet (Word |25.2KB)</link> to track each pupil’s learning:

• Document

  Improving deaf children's literacy skills - Progress sheet.docx (25.2 KB)