📖 Supporting Literacy at Home - learning outcomes

Understanding Learning Outcomes in the Primary Years (NI TransformED)

The TransformED approach to literacy builds on the Northern Ireland Curriculum by focusing on Language and Literacy as a cross-curricular skill. Children are expected not only to read and write, but to communicate clearly, think critically, and engage with a wide range of texts.

Key Learning Outcomes in Literacy:

1. Reading for Understanding and Enjoyment
Children will:

• Develop fluency and accuracy in reading

• Understand and discuss a range of texts (stories, information, digital content)

• Identify main ideas, make predictions, and give opinions

👉 At home: Ask questions beyond “What happened?” Try: “Why do you think the character did that?”

2. Talking and Listening (Communication)
Children will:

• Express ideas clearly in different situations

• Listen actively and respond appropriately

• Take turns in conversation and group discussion

👉 At home: Encourage back-and-forth conversations. Let your child explain ideas fully without interrupting.

3. Writing for Purpose
Children will:

• Write in different forms (stories, reports, instructions)

• Organise ideas and use appropriate vocabulary

• Begin to check and improve their own work

👉 At home: Give real reasons to write—letters, emails, plans, or even simple diaries.

4. Developing Thinking Through Language
Children will:

• Ask questions and form opinions

• Explain their reasoning

• Use language to organise and reflect on their thinking

👉 At home: Focus on how they think, not just the answer.

What this means for parents

Literacy is no longer just about spelling and grammar. It is about helping children to:

• Understand meaning

• Communicate confidently

• Think independently

👉 Key message: The biggest impact you can have is through conversation, shared reading, and encouraging your child to express their ideas.