Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu
How to teach literacy in primary schools

4 Innovative Ways to Teach Literacy in Primary Schools

Date posted : 06 October 2021

4 Innovative Ways to Teach Literacy in Primary Schools

Teaching literacy skills to children is one of the most important aspects of a primary teacher’s job. Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that lets us communicate with each other and make sense of the world.

Learning literacy gives children some of the most basic tools they need to participate in modern life. That sounds like a lot of pressure on those entrusted to teach it. Teaching literacy in primary schools can certainly be a challenging task that involves engaging a variety of young children’s nascent learning processes, from graphomotor skills to abstract thinking.

To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together a range of methods from the forefront of modern teaching practice that you can deploy to effectively teach literacy in your classes.

1. Weave games into your teaching curriculum

When teaching literacy in primary schools, it’s worth remembering that your pupils will need hours of practice to internalise concepts like phonics, vocabulary and sentence structure. For this practice to be worthwhile, students must feel engaged.

Gamifying the learning process can be a particularly impactful way to get children engrossed in what they are learning. It is hardly a secret that kids can learn best when they’re having fun!

Students can develop a number of skills through game playing, such as critical thinking , creativity and communication. They also serve as a great way for students to form positive relationships with learning and education, which can benefit them in the long term.

To start you off, here are some free, online games that you could try to get your class to play.

2. Focus on building students’ vocabulary

Students with greater vocabulary skills are much more likely to understand more of what they read and hear. That’s why building the foundations of their vocabulary is an essential starting point. It’s helpful to teach the meanings of new words via multisensory means, such as using visual aids, graphic novels and songs for younger students.

Pupils should be encouraged to learn new vocabulary daily in short stints. Trying to cram too many words into their memory at once can be counter-productive, and most words will be forgotten in the long term. You can incorporate this practice into the student’s classroom routine, to get them used to learning new words each day.

Buttressing children’s vocabulary at an early stage will maximise the number of words they encounter as they expand their reading habits, and could boost their desire to read for pleasure .

3. Introduce a variety of text styles

We know that children draw on their experience of certain styles of text when it comes to reading and writing. Children who read more often gain better results in a range of subjects , so introducing them to texts that they find interesting as early as possible can benefit them way down the line.

When students have been exposed to a range of texts across different genres, they develop an understanding of how language works and the best way to use it when writing or trying to comprehend text.

Do your best to introduce your students to a variety of writing styles, including poetry, news articles, rhyming books and more. Time spent connecting with a range of text styles gives children the breadth to explore and experiment with the rhythms and patterns of the English language, so as to use it more effectively.

4. Read aloud with students

Primary school students who hear text and language read aloud can process it in more varied ways. Reading texts aloud helps children hear the patterns and forms of language used for different purposes. This teaches them about the right language and grammar structures appropriate for different circumstances.

Your classroom should be a language-rich environment with a focus on expanding vocabulary, understanding what words mean and how and why they are used. Reading aloud lets children hear how each word is used, understand its context and learn how to apply these words in their everyday language.

A shared reading or storytelling session that is rich in rhyme, song and poetry is a fantastic way to improve a child’s phonological development and encourage them to speak with their fellow pupils.

Are you looking for your next teaching role?

If you are ready to embark on a new teaching experience at a primary school near you, then Teaching Personnel is the place to start. We provide staff to over 5,000 schools around the UK and have a bundle of experience in finding our candidates the right roles.

Put what you’ve read here into practice by taking a look at our primary teacher jobs today!

List #1

Related posts

The future of SEND support

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

The future of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support in the UK is undergoing significant focus and reform. It’s a complicated landscape as the government considers tightening th

Teaser

With EHCP reform, funding investment, and workforce development on the horizon, the future of SEND support is changing fast. This blog breaks down what schools need to know, and how to prepare.

Read more
Overcoming SEND staffing challenges in schools

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser

Read more
Bridging the gap: Why SEND CPD matters for teachers

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser

Are your staff prepared for the rising SEND needs in mainstream schools? Diagnoses are rising, but most teachers feel unprepared. Discover why high-quality SEND CPD is essential and how your school can upskill effectively without breaking the budget.

Read more
Pupils listening to teacher in classroom
Creating inclusive classrooms: strategies for success

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser

With the number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) rising, schools must take proactive steps to create inclusive learning environments. The National Audit Office (NAO) has highlighted the challenges in making mainstream schools more accessible, emphasising the urgent need for change. But while systemic improvements are necessary, educators can implement practical strategies today to support SEND pupils effectively.

Read more
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

 How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26    As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch

Teaser

Struggling to make sense of SEND funding for 2025–26? Get clarity and strategy in our free SEND Funding Guide, packed with insights schools can use now.

Read more
SEND reform 2025: Delays, funding, and what schools need to know

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

Unpacking SEND reform: Where are we now and what’s coming next? A rapid rise in pupils diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, social, emotional, and mental health needs (including ADHD), as

Teaser

New reforms mean new responsibilities. Find out how to support your team with training, compliance, and smart SEND planning in our free guide.

Read more
What do schools need to know this term?

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

What do schools need to know this term? Change is constant in the education sector, and this term is no different. From Ofsted and pay reviews, to structural shifts like RISE and curriculum refo

Teaser

Change is constant in the education sector, and this term is no different. From Ofsted and pay reviews, to structural shifts like RISE and curriculum reform, school leaders face a challenging time. Here’s what’s currently happening across the sector.

Read more
Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Invigilator seeing over exams
Understanding the value of outsourced invigilators through Teaching Personnel

Teaser

Tips and Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD03YY

Summary

The True Worth of Professional Exam Invigilation When schools and colleges across England and Wales prepare for examination periods, the pressure to maintain JCQ compliance while ensuring fair ass

Teaser

Examination periods bring immense pressure to maintain compliance and ensure fair assessments. Discover how Teaching Personnel’s highly trained, JCQ-accredited invigilators provide schools and colleges across England and Wales with seamless, professional invigilation services—ensuring integrity, safeguarding, and expert support when it matters most.

Read more
Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Easter Payroll Dates 2025

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD03YY

Summary

With the Easter break and end of term coming up, it’s time to get your payroll sorted! Our Payroll team has outlined the key dates you need to ensure you receive your pay on time. Check out the ta

Teaser

Read more
Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

The evolving landscape of SEND in the UK

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD03YY

Summary

The landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is transforming. The number of pupils in the UK with special educational needs (SEN) has increased over the last five years. Toda

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

company logo
Search