Strengthening early years oral language

In 2018, preschool and foundation teachers identified low oral language skills as a barrier to literacy development. From 2018 to 2022, MPF supported the No Limits program, where speech pathologists worked directly with children to address this issue.

Recognizing the need for a sustainable approach, in 2023, MPF partnered with Nat Brass and Sarah Hughes, literacy specialists and co-founders of SailAway Readers, to collaborate with Community Kinders Plus (CKP) preschools in the Western Port region.

Together, they developed a play-based phonological awareness program aimed at building strong oral language skills among preschoolers. Phonological awareness—the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken language—is crucial for later reading and spelling success.

The SailAway Readers program includes:

1. Supporting staff to understand and embed phonological awareness practices in daily preschool routines.
2. Providing ongoing professional development for teachers and educators.
3. Assisting teachers in using data to inform planning.

Progress is monitored through the CKP Skills Audit, tracking oral language development in children, and assessing teacher skills in understanding and teaching phonological awareness.

This initiative demonstrates MPF's commitment to fostering long-term, community-driven educational outcomes on the Mornington Peninsula.