At Kindlehill Steiner School, we offer targeted support for students who may be experiencing challenges with reading through a small-group withdrawal program using the MULTILIT suite of programs.

At the end of Class 1, teachers use a combination of professional observation and a brief screening to check children’s knowledge of letter names, the sounds they make, and their emerging ability to blend sounds together to read simple words. Where challenges are identified, families are offered the opportunity for their child to participate in the MiniLitprogram.

MiniLit runs three to four times per week and is a structured phonics-based program. It focuses on developing a strong understanding of the sounds of the English language and the letters (graphemes) that represent those sounds.

A further brief reading screen is completed with all students at the end of Class 3. This screen is benchmarked and helps identify students who may benefit from additional support. Where appropriate, students are offered MAQLIT in Class 4. MAQLIT revisits key elements of MiniLit and extends learning into more complex sound patterns, including digraphs and diphthongs.

These programs are delivered by Collette, Sue, and Eliza, a highly dedicated team of educators who work thoughtfully and consistently to support students needing additional literacy assistance. Their commitment to careful remediation and encouragement of each child’s confidence as a learner is a great strength of our school’s learning support program.

Erica Chaperlin Principal

After extensive experience with Barnardos Australia, Erica joined the teaching profession in 2004, focusing for many years on high school teaching for young people with behavioural issues not able to be in mainstream classes. Erica joined Kindlehill School in 2009. She has a B. Arts ( Hons) (USYD) and a Master of Teaching (UWS).

“Through a profoundly nurturing and rich education of the whole child we help to heal the world and move towards greater kindness and respect – that’s why I am here.”.