Could disciplinary literacy be the missing piece in primary education? Prepare to have your assumptions challenged as education advisor Shareen Wilkinson reveals how young learners can benefit from thinking, reading, and writing like subject specialists – years before secondary school.
Most educators associate disciplinary literacy with secondary education. Yet, when implemented thoughtfully in primary settings, this approach builds crucial background knowledge that supports comprehension far beyond basic phonics. Shareen explains how primary schools can adopt age-appropriate disciplinary practices without overwhelming either teachers or pupils.
The secret lies in starting with stories. By using carefully selected books to introduce disciplinary concepts, teachers can build mental schemas that make later learning stick. As Natalie Wexler famously noted, "knowledge is sticky" – and disciplinary approaches provide the perfect adhesive. Through practices like modelling subject-specific language and focused writing opportunities, even young children can begin thinking like historians, scientists, and mathematicians.
What makes this approach particularly powerful is its focus on quality over quantity. Rather than frequent disciplinary writing, teachers might plan just a few purposeful opportunities throughout the year where pupils can "show off what they know." Interestingly, Shareen reports that many children actually prefer these assignments because they emphasise content knowledge rather than literacy mechanics.
For educators considering implementation, Shareen offers practical advice on training staff, selecting appropriate texts, and integrating disciplinary practices into existing curricula. Whether you're a classroom teacher looking for new strategies or a school leader planning curriculum development, this conversation provides valuable insights into how disciplinary literacy can transform primary education.
Ready to explore how disciplinary literacy might work in your setting? Listen now to discover what could be the closest thing education has to a silver bullet for building knowledge and closing gaps.