Sue Hennessey

“The children enjoy the interactive features of the games and activities.”

As a Resource Teacher: Literacy Sue Hennessey’s job is to support students who struggle with literacy acquisition.

“The Better Start Literacy Approach has given me opportunities to fine-tune my practice and to reflect on how best to serve my learners.”

Sue says she decided to sign up for the Microcredential course as the approach looked well designed and she felt the Ministry of Education’s intention to support and develop a New Zealand set of decodable texts was timely.

“I have enjoyed the delivery and have found the content of the microcredential to be worthwhile. The initial two-day workshop was an excellent introduction and the weekly Zoom meetings have been useful.

“Access to a mentor is an added advantage in a smaller group setting. Questions and concerns have been addressed promptly.”

Sue says she feels very fortunate to have received the free BSLA kete, filled with excellent resources.

“The four classroom teachers whom I support are implementing the approach with enthusiasm, have interacted with whānau, and are happy with how the children are progressing in their learning.

“We are all enjoying the oral narrative component, with its repetitive approach to developing use of quality vocabulary and improved retell skills. We are being careful to present letter names and sounds as suggested by the experts, and can certainly see the benefits as we work with the children to blend, segment and manipulate phonemes.

“The Te Reo features are presented in an authentic way, provide depth, and promote our cultural identity.”