What is Blitz!

Blitz! is an intensive Early Literacy Intervention programme designed to be used by non-specialist staff. It targets those children in KS1 or early KS2 who are experiencing sustained difficulties in making a start in reading. It has been widely used as a 'Wave Three' provision of the Government Early Literacy Strategy, either in preparation for it, or when the child shows difficulties in keeping up with his/her peeers.

It uses step-by-step, highly structured, and sequential, lesson plans which are supported by games and activities. These are self explanatory and photocopiable, so can be used with any number of children. Blitz! works alongside some of the most popular reading schemes found in schools. Fully coloured, laminated game boards are also included. The art work throughout is designed to appeal to the most reluctant of readers, with detailed and humorous drawings.

During the programme NLS words are introduced and reinforced, rhyme and phonics taught, and reading and writing strategies made explicit. It continually reinforces and builds on what is known in a systematic and fun way.

It is designed to be used regularly (three or more times a week). It is written to be used with a small group of similar ability children, or on a one-to-one basis. The results of a pilot run by East Sussex indicated similar progress in both categories. Each session aims to last approximately 20 minutes, but this will of course vary according to the ability of the children being taught.

Blitz! consists of four different levels. Each level contains: