A range of literacy foci are included across the suite of Primary Connections units to support student development of multiple science literacy skills and representational thinking. Research and evidence in representation construction underpins the Primary Connections approach to teaching primary science.
Watch: Representations in primary science
Using literacy to differentiate primary science
This resource is designed to support teachers with multi-age classes, or a class with a range of abilities, to choose an alternative literacy focus and representation suited to the skills and abilities of students.
How is literacy embedded in Primary Connections curriculum units?
Primary Connections supports teachers to provide students with opportunities to develop literacy skills while learning about science. Use this resource to inform planning and for scope and sequencing. Student-friendly descriptions of each literacy focus and representation are included.
Using a Quality matrix
A quality matrix is a tool that supports student development of high quality science literacy representations and guides the feedback process.
Good Science Books
Picture story books listed by topic.
A database of science picture books and informative texts, sorted by topic.
Using a science journal throughout inquiry
A science journal is a record of observations, experiences and reflections.
Using an investigation planner
An investigation planner is a scaffold that supports students to plan, conduct, record and represent data and information.
Word loops
A word loop is a tool that helps students to clarify the relationship between words and terms, symbols, representations and definitions and how these contribute to a whole topic or concept.
Using a word wall to support student explanations
Support student development of vocabulary related to a particular topic, and provide a reference for class discussions.
Using a glossary to support science vocabulary development
Create a class glossary as a growing bank of descriptions to support students to understand and use new vocabulary.
Gallery walk
A gallery walk is a collaborative discussion strategy that provides an opportunity for feedback: student to student, and teacher to student.