Five Literacy Strategies to Include in Your Next Program

In every subject, from Science to History and even Maths, students are constantly reading, writing, and making meaning. That’s why the Australian Curriculum places literacy as a general capability — it’s foundational for learning.

But many programs still treat literacy as an afterthought, to be thrown on top over the content. We might throw in a writing task or correct spelling on the fly, but explicit, research-based literacy strategies? Those often fall through the cracks.

Here are five powerful, practical strategies backed by evidence that can help every teacher strengthen literacy — no matter the subject.

1. Think-Alouds

Based on the work of Pearson & Gallagher (1983)

When teachers model their thinking aloud while reading or solving problems, students gain insight into the cognitive strategies experts use.

Use it to:

• Show how to decode a complex question

• Model how to approach a persuasive text

• Talk through a problem-solving process in Maths

2. Frayer Model for Vocabulary

Marzano (2004) notes vocabulary knowledge is a key predictor of academic success

Use this four-part graphic organiser to teach subject-specific terminology by exploring:

• Definition

• Examples

• Non-examples

• Visuals or characteristics

Perfect for building deep word knowledge, especially in content-heavy subjects.

3. Reciprocal Teaching

Developed by Palincsar & Brown (1984)

A small-group strategy where students take turns leading dialogue using four roles:

• Summariser

• Questioner

• Clarifier

• Predictor

Improves comprehension and metacognition, particularly in middle and upper primary.

4. Sentence Starters and Writing Scaffolds

Effective for reluctant writers or unfamiliar text types (Hammond, 2015)

Too often, students know what they want to say — but don’t know how to start. Sentence stems help them:

• Organise ideas

• Use academic language

• Build fluency and confidence

They’re easy to differentiate and adapt across year levels.

5. Text Marking and Annotation

Harvey & Goudvis (2007): Active reading leads to better understanding

Teach students how to actively engage with texts by:

• Highlighting key words

• Underlining claims or evidence

• Writing questions or summaries in the margin

Builds habits of attention and deeper comprehension.

Plan Literacy Into Every Subject

When we embed literacy strategies into our teaching programs from the start, we help students read better, write better, and think better — in every subject.

Planuva makes it easy to plan and program with these strategies in mind. So you’re not starting from scratch each time — you’re building something that lasts.

If you are interested, sign up to our waitlist at https://planuva.com