Quicksmart, Beat Dyslexia and Multilit
Quicksmart Numeracy:
Quicksmart is a numeracy support programme aimed at the lower portion of middle achievers mostly in Year 6 - 8. It was developed by a research team a the University of New England through the National Centre of Science, Information and Communication Technology, and Mathematics Education for rural and regional Australia (SIMERR National Centre)
Quicksmart aims to improve automaticity in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to 12.
Automaticity is immediate recall of information. Quicksmart focuses on developing understanding and recall of facts. The aim is to free up working memory, so problem solving and other mathematic work becomes easier.
Lessons consist of flashcards, spreadsheets, classroom style worksheets, strategies to help work out maths problems and numberfacts. Computer software is also used called Cognitive Aptitude Assessment System (OZCAAZ). This records students speed and accuracy of basic skills.
Graphs are used, so tutor and students can see their improvement. Students do Quicksmart lessons in pairs and a 5 minute numeracy game is often played at the end of sessions to get more practise in a fun way.
Beat Dyslexia:
This is a step by step multisensory literacy programme which is delivered 1 on 1 with individual students that are struggling to read, write and/or spell. It develops literacy skills by combining successful phonological approaches with conventional, multisensory and structured teaching methods.
The programme is structured so that goals are small and attainable and build confidence. Wooden letters, sound/word cards are used as well as workbooks, listening activities, speech and writing practise using link script.
Multilit:
Multilit stands for Making Up Lost Time in Literacy. It was developed by MacQuarie University. Multilit has 3 components.
- Sight words – which focuses on the 200 most commonly used words in children’s books.
- Word attack skills : This focuses on decoding words using the sounds of the letters it includes nonsense words to help learn how letter sounds blend.
- Guided reading – students read from books at similar level to what they have reached with sight words and work attack and are given time and strategies to decode text when they have difficulty.
For further information regarding these programmes, please feel welcome to contact the school.