A literacy intervention programme at Merivale Primary School for some 5-year-olds who could only write in squiggles and struggled to recognise letters is getting big results.
Principal Jan Tinetti says the difference it has made brings tears to her eyes.
"It's absolutely amazing. These children are now flying and have gone from not being able to recognise or understand letters to confidently know those letters and write them," she says.
SKILL LEVEL
Ideally a 5-year-old starting school should:
Know how to write their name
Have an understanding of letters
Be able to talk and have a conversation relevant to their age
Know the different colours
Have a knowledge of books and how to use them
Have been read stories
The programme is delivered by Nga Reanga e Toru who visit the school three times a week with funding from Tauranga Rotary Club. It has been initiated to enhance the reading recovery programme and help pupils at an earlier age develop literacy skills.