Grow Literacy: Empowering Schools Through Structured Literacy and Te Matāiaho NZ Curriculum
In an educational landscape where literacy is the foundation of student success, schools across Aotearoa are embracing evidence-based practices that deliver meaningful results. At the heart of this movement is the GROW Literacy Programme, a structured, whole-school approach designed to align seamlessly with Te Matāiaho, the refreshed English curriculum. Combining expert-led design, explicit instruction, and comprehensive support for all educators, GROW Literacy is transforming how we teach reading and writing in New Zealand schools.
Aligned with Te Matāiaho
Te Matāiaho encourages a cohesive and progressive approach to literacy, supporting students to build essential skills through purposeful and consistent instruction. These align with the New Zealand Curriculum standards. The GROW Literacy Programme mirrors these principles, offering a structured literacy progression that aligns with the curriculum’s emphasis on clarity, evidence-based practices, and cumulative learning. By integrating Te Matāiaho’s framework, GROW Structured Literacy PLD for year 0-8 ensures that every school can confidently deliver literacy instruction that meets national expectations while tailoring approaches to their unique student communities.
Designed by Literacy Experts
The GROW Literacy Programme is the collective work of three of New Zealand’s most experienced literacy experts:
Louise Dempsey: Internationally recognised author of "The Reading Book", "The Writing Book", "The Oral Language Book" and many other pillars of literacy education in New Zealand.
Ros Lugg: The founder of StepsWeb, a leading online literacy program which caters for all learners. StepsWeb has helped over 300,000 kiwi learners and 1,200 Schools on their literacy journey.
Del Costello: The Coactive Education director and one of the most recognised voices in Oral Language and Early Literacy conversation in Aotearoa.
Together, our literacy legends bring decades of expertise in teaching, curriculum development, and evidence-based instruction. Their combined knowledge ensures that the programme is both practical and transformative, offering schools strategies and tools that genuinely work. From phonics to advanced literacy practices, their insight creates a roadmap for schools to achieve consistent and measurable improvement.
The Power of Explicit Instruction
At the core of GROW Literacy is a commitment to explicit instruction. Research consistently shows that teaching strategies rooted in clarity, structure, and directness yield the best outcomes, particularly for struggling readers. The programme empowers educators to:
Break down complex skills into manageable steps.
Deliver systematic, scaffolded lessons that build fluency and confidence.
Use diagnostic tools to target specific needs and adapt teaching accordingly.
By focusing on explicit instruction, GROW Literacy equips teachers to provide clear, effective lessons that leave no learner behind.
Comprehensive Support for Teacher Aides and Leaders
GROW Literacy goes beyond classroom teachers, recognising that a whole-school approach is essential for sustained success. Through Grow Literacy Labs – pre-recorded, on-demand Literacy training workshops – teacher aides and leaders receive tailored support to strengthen their roles in the literacy journey. These labs provide:
Teacher Aides: Practical strategies for phonics, small group reading and writing, and oral language development.
Leaders: Guidance on implementing structured literacy across the school, managing change, and embedding sustainable practices.
This inclusive approach ensures that everyone in the school community is equipped to contribute, creating a unified effort that amplifies results.
Join the GROW Literacy Movement: Structured Literacy PLD for year 0-8
With its alignment to Te Matāiaho, expert design, focus on explicit instruction, and comprehensive support for all educators, GROW Literacy offers a proven path to literacy success. Whether you’re a kaiako, leader, or teacher aide, this programme provides the tools and strategies needed to make a lasting impact.
Ready to learn more? Join our free online hui to explore how GROW Literacy can support your school. Register today and take the first step toward a brighter future for your learners.
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