Megan Wildermuth, Classroom Teacher and Literacy Coordinator, shared with us how Sounds-Write has been implemented at Dutton Park and how it has been received by students, staff and parents.

Why did you choose Sounds-Write and how did you find implement it?

In late 2020 we reviewed our reading and NAPLAN data noting consistent drops in reading, writing and spelling from Year 3 to Year 5. We began to investigate the literature around the science of language and reading, and identified phonics as our first priority.

We evaluated a significant number of programs before selecting Sounds-Write because of its clear evidence base, structured synthetic approach, ability to be used in Tier 1, 2 and 3 instructional settings, capacity for use as a whole-school approach to reading and spelling from Prep to Year 6, its diagnostic capability, focus on fidelity of implementation, and the many recommendations we heard – “it’s the gold standard!” We visited a Sounds-Write school to see it in practice and this confirmed all we had read.

We visited a Sounds-Write school to see it in practice and this confirmed all we had read.

Megan Wildermuth, Classroom Teacher and Literacy Coordinator

Our Prep-2 teachers, intervention specialists and literacy coordinator completed online training in early 2021, commencing instruction in Term 2. Teachers in Years 3-6, our Speech Language Pathologist and Guidance Officer completed training later that year. A year later, our upper school teachers, literacy coordinator and intervention teachers completed the Sounds-Write in Y3-6 course. Since then, we’ve trained all new staff as they’ve joined the school.

Parents were instrumental in supporting and funding Sounds-Write at our school. The Parents and Citizens Association funded teacher training and the purchase of a full range of decodable texts to match the Sounds-Write sequence. They have ensured there are sufficient texts for classroom use and for home reading, as well as funding the Sounds-Write app for iPads.

How have staff reacted to Sounds-Write?

From the first day of training, teachers could see that it made sense. They have embraced the development of a whole-school literacy program, with Sounds-Write explicitly taught from Prep to Year 6 ensuring a structured, sequential approach to phonology, morphology and etymology across the school. And the results speak for themselves (NAPLAN, 2023).

Any thoughts for other schools who are considering Sounds-Write?

Our experience with Sounds-Write confirms it is the gold standard, evidence-informed approach to phonics, morphology and etymology. Not only will it more than meet the needs prescribed by state and federal governments, the Sounds-Write approach and resources are firmly embraced by our teachers, and continue to engage and delight our students.

We are thrilled with Sounds-Write at Dutton Park State School!