Literacy is an important aspect of para professional programs and is typically implemented through a variety of methods. Some of the ways in which literacy may be incorporated into para professional training is listed below. 

• Content is structured around one key content area for each workshop to ensure that messages are clear and practice can be implemented effectively.

• Content is evidence-based, practical and specific and builds over several sessions in one area.

• This year we are presenting around vocabulary development as a key area of need in literacy across written and oral language and reading.  Opportunities to experience and discuss aspects of practice that can be transferred across curriculum contexts and adapted according to the level each child is working at.

• Having a theme for workshops, signalling in advance what will be covered and ensuring that there is plenty of time for clarification and discussion is how each workshop is structured.

• Workshops include:  identifying, clarifying and discussing unknown or difficult words or phrases in texts with a focus on demanding meaning; actively working out the meaning of words in text through a range of strategies such as morphemic analysis (familiar parts of words), using context clues and justifying predictions; using simple tools to make connections between words and concepts within the curriculum to build vocabulary; specifics of the structure of language e.g. subject/predicate, building sentences and paragraphs to support children to plan and refine their written language;  helping children to learn and retain new words in a range of contexts; interpreting and creating visual texts including charts, timelines, flow diagrams, comic strips etc to enhance their exploration of new concepts and vocabulary; setting the scene prior to new experiences, topics and texts by building concepts and introducing and using the words children will need.