Literacy at Education Always

Literacy is the ability to read and write confidently. In Ghana’s lower primary curriculum (Basic 1 to Basic 3), Literacy is taught as a core subject focused on helping children develop the foundational reading and writing skills they will use for the rest of their lives. A child who is literate can access every other subject, communicate clearly, and participate fully in school and society. At Education Always, our Literacy resources support early readers, classroom teachers, and parents helping children at home.

Literacy Skills at the Lower Primary Level

Phonics and Sound Awareness

  • Recognizing and producing the 26 letters of the English alphabet
  • Letter sounds: each consonant and vowel and the sounds they make
  • Blending sounds to read simple words: c-a-t = cat, d-o-g = dog
  • Segmenting words into individual sounds for spelling
  • Common vowel digraphs and blends: ai, ee, oo, ch, sh, th, br, tr
  • Sight words (high-frequency words): the, and, is, I, was, for, they, have

Reading

  • Reading simple sentences and short stories with understanding
  • Reading for meaning: answering simple questions about a passage
  • Reading aloud with correct pronunciation and expression
  • Identifying characters, setting, and events in simple stories
  • Developing a love of reading through engaging Ghanaian stories and folktales

Writing

  • Pencil grip and letter formation: upper and lower case letters
  • Copying words and simple sentences correctly
  • Writing simple sentences from pictures or prompts
  • Punctuation: capital letters at the start of sentences, full stops, and question marks
  • Spelling common words correctly
  • Short creative writing: describing a person, an animal, or a place in simple language

Vocabulary and Oral Communication

  • Learning new words through reading, stories, and conversation
  • Speaking clearly and confidently in English
  • Listening skills: following instructions and responding to questions
  • Retelling stories and experiences in their own words
  • Asking and answering questions about everyday topics

Building a Reading Culture at Home

Children who are read to regularly become better readers themselves. If you are a parent, set aside even 10 minutes each day to read a story with your child. Ask simple questions about the story to build comprehension. Praise every effort your child makes to read or write. Learning to read is one of the most important things a child will ever do, and your encouragement makes a real difference.

Browse our Literacy resources to support young learners in discovering the power of reading and writing.