Northlands Primary School's new outlook on literacy has not only excited students, but teachers as well.

For the school-wide Literacy Programme, which began last September, aims to improve students' reading, writing and verbal skills by introducing them to a broad range of fun learning strategies.

"We have been giving the students different educational themes to work with each month such as story mapping, patterns and sequence chains,'' explained staff development co-ordinator Mary Smith.

"These strategies are helping our students to develop strong written, spoken and verbal skills.'' She added: "Students need auditory, visual and tactile learning stimulants in order to fully grasp the concepts being taught. This programme encourages all ways of learning rather than just relying on one.'' Mrs. Smith, who has taught at every level of education, admitted that working as a team with administrators and teachers was a definite advantage to the programme.

"Just walk around the school and you can see all kinds of interaction going on between staff and students,'' she said. "Another advantage is that this programme is being followed throughout the school. All students from primary one to six are at the same time being exposed to the same strategies, even though they are learning at different levels.'' Students of all ages complete various assignments designed to help them develop a better understanding of literature, compose their own written work, as well as compare and contrast different books they have read.

oping to continue the programme at Northlands for at least the next three years and possibly introduce it to other schools, Mrs. Smith pointed out the importance of consistency. "It is very necessary to focus on the strategies until all of them have been mastered because for young students consistency is critical,'' she said. "I believe that out of all the programmes I have been involved in, this one is the most meaningful, productive and helpful to both students and teachers.'' Mrs. Smith's enthusiasm was equally matched by the school's teachers. "It's an excellent programme,'' said Primary One teacher Laurel Burns. "It has really promoted the students' creative thinking skills.

Even the babies (primary one pupils) are receptive. They can now understand stories better and enjoy comparing and contrasting different types of books.'' Elizabeth Botelho, Primary Four teacher, was impressed with the many different themes incorporated into the programme.

"With lots of different modalities that are consistent throughout the years, the students can learn in ways that suit them best,'' she said.

And Primary Six teacher Milton Richardson added that he had seen a positive change in the students' ability and willingness to read and write.

"It is amazing because regardless of what grade the students are in they are all able to grasp the concepts which bring books alive,'' Mr. Richardson said.

"They are reading and writing more both at home and school and the best thing is they are truly enjoying it.'' Principal Dale Butler, who is planning a "multi-age morning'' during which students will come together and share what they have learned, said: "In five to ten years time when we look back on this, we will wonder why there was such a significant change in our schools, especially Northlands and I think it will be because of the literacy programme.''