Aligning the NSW Suggested Scope and Sequence with Decodable Readers
As many NSW educators are aware, the draft NSW English K-2 syllabus was released along with a suggested Phonics Scope and Sequence. Since then we have been inundated with questions around how to align DRA's (Decodable Readers Australia) resources and scope and sequence with the new curriculum and the suggested NSW Scope and Sequence.
To make it easier for NSW educators we have adapted the suggested NSW scope and Sequence and DRA's scope and sequence and have produced an alignment Scope and Sequence that can be used so that resources match up effectively.
You can download the aligned Scope and Sequence here:
Kindergarten - Early Stage 1 - NSW Department + DRA Scope and Sequence
Year 1 & 2 - Stage 1 - NSW Department +DRA Scope and Sequence
It is important that you continue reading so that you have an understanding of the following considerations prior to implementation:
- The Scope and Sequence document below were put together by DRA (Decodable Readers Australia) and we have made suggestions on how to shuffle the scope and sequence of both the NSW suggestion and our prescribed scope and sequence, to meet the recommendations of the NSW department, alignment of the DRA decodable readers so that all GPC (Grapheme-Phoneme Correspondences) are covered, and the outcomes of the new curriculum.
- NSW suggested introduction of some GPCs are earlier than DRA’s (Decodable Reader Australia) recommended timing (that match our Main Fiction and Nonfiction Series), however, our Early Reader Series (that are an easier text, less word count and single syllable words) are appropriate for most of the shuffled sequence (earlier introduction).
- NSW suggested Scope and Sequence introduces the split vowel digraph in Kindergarten which is a lot earlier than DRA sequence, however, Level 7 of our Early Readers (easier texts and phonics focussed) can be used in Kindergarten and then those letter/sounds revised with our Main Fiction and Nonfiction in the year levels above.
- As outlined in the cover pages of the NSW Suggested sequence documents, it is stated that the provided sequence is just a suggestion and that schools can adapt and adopt. With this information we suggest one of two things. 1) Use the DRA original scope and sequence and just bolt on a few of the less frequent GPCs that DRA do not cover (alongside the matching phonemes), or 2) follow the adapted Scope and Sequence below that we have manipulated to match.
Taken from NSW Department of Education - K-2 – Instructional sequence – grapheme-phoneme correspondences:
- DRA’s original Scope and Sequence is slower than the suggested NSW scope and sequence and aims for a mastery of each level to build onto (you can see this master Scope and Sequence in our Educator's eBook). The NSW suggested scope and sequence reflects a faster scope and sequence that is interspersed and aimed at a spiralling scope, meaning that they consistently review GPCs previously taught and add onto them. DRA were able to modify their Scope and Sequence to match NSW as their resources (Early Readers) offer a simpler text for the faster sequence and when it spirals back to review the sounds in the coming years, the Main Fiction and Nonfiction are then appropriate.
- When following the suggested scope and sequence below, it is recommended to introduce approximately 3 GPCs a week in Kindergarten and 3-4 GPCs in Year 1 and 2, and then have some consolidation weeks for practice, using the decodable texts and daily word work.
- When introducing sounds, include and review any previously taught GPCs. For example when introducing soft g /j/, review the letter j that also represents this sound.
- Use our SPARKLE Kit Assessment alongside other departmental assessments as a way of tracking student progress that follows the systematic introduction of teaching. Do not wait until the Year 1 Phonics Check to collect and analyse data. Phonics screening should be done after each sound set has been taught and consolidated.
- Daily review should be part of your programs. Sign up for our Online Library trial to see our Daily Review lessons. https://draonline.com.au/trial/
- This version of the scope and sequence does not have morphology references. It is important to have a school morphology scope and sequence alongside your phonics scope and sequence.
- The NSW suggested scope and sequence document has important supporting information and we recommend reviewing this.
So its time to check out the new aligned Scope and Sequences:
You can download the aligned Scope and Sequence here:
Kindergarten - Early Stage 1 - NSW Department + DRA Scope and Sequence
Year 1 & 2 - Stage 1 - NSW Department +DRA Scope and Sequence
