Carl Pattison
A space to share experience, knowledge and potential discussion points for the teaching of literacy.
Empowering children with SEND to read well
This post discusses common challenges educators face when teaching children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to read, particularly when phonics instruction seems ineffective. It emphasises the importance of reflecting on teaching practices and avoiding the urge to label children or seek alternative methods without fully understanding the root of the problem.
Read the post (a PDF) by clicking this link
Why are we seeing a plateau in phonics data and what can we do about it?
National phonics data continues to hover around the 80% mark. Hear my thoughts about why this is and what can be done about it. A useful article for leaders and phonics teachers.
Read the post (a PDF) by clicking this link
Making the most of AI to suport reading and writing lessons
This post discusses AI, common challenges and how we can use them to create a framework for teachers using AI to create content for reading and writing lessons. Whilst we are still coming to terms with AI, we need to begin to think about how to use it effectively.
Read the post (a PDF) by clicking this link
Are Dr Fry's word lists still useful or could there be a better way to support automaticity?
Dr Fry created lists of words that are commonly found in the material we read. By practising reading these words, children would get to a point where they can read them at a glance. Thus, reducing the load on working memory when reading.
Take a look at this article to learn more about how I would use the words and access 450 phrases you could use with your children for free!
Read the post (a PDF) by clicking this link
Reading Stamina
In 2017, I remember watching our Y6 pupils struggle with the demands of the new KS2 reading SAT paper. At the time, we all said they struggled with 'reading stamina.' Did we know what to do about it? Not then, but we do now.
Read the post (a PDF) by clicking this link
Supporting Reading at Home
This useful guide is great to share with parents. It offers lots of tips on how to support reading at home and how to show chidlrne that reading is a purposeful activity. Feel free to download the PDF and share it on your websites.
Read the post (a PDF) by clicking this link
Making up for lost time
I was asked to write a piece for the DfE blog on 'Reading together day'. Learn more about my reading journey and my thoughts about the importance of reading.
Read the post (a PDF) by clicking this link
My National College material
I am an early literacy specialist for The National College. On their platform, I have seven training videos from EYFS to KS3 and they have all received great feedback.
Access them by clicking this link
Literacy Podcasts
Recently I helped to lead a KS2-KS3 literacy project across Derby City and Nottingham City. We captured some of the key learning and literacy themes in a range of podcasts.
Access them by clicking this link
The 90% fluency myth and decodable reading books
In my role of a literacy advisor, I still across this idea that a child must only be given a decodable reading book if they can read it with '90% fluency.' In this article I unpick the myth and explain why it is wrong and where it possibly originates from.
Read the post (a PDF) by clicking this link
