ReadingWise Zip: Aligned with New Zealand’s Phonics Objectives
ReadingWise Zip is a supplementary online phonics programme designed to support school-wide phonics programmes. It aligns to New Zealand’s NELP priority 4: "Ensure every learner/ākonga gains sound foundation skills, including language, literacy and numeracy."
Zip Phonics started life in England, where the phonics screening check was launched in 2012, becoming mandatory as it will in New Zealand in 2025. The team at ReadingWise has been supporting schools to improve reading as phonics teaching and the phonics check became the norm. We hope this experience can help New Zealand schools and support the transition to the phonics screening check and to help all children become confident, empowered readers.
Online and Adaptive
By using adaptive learning technology, Zip offers a useful resource for all pupils, including ESOL learners and those with diverse needs. It supports the New Zealand Curriculum by developing foundational reading skills and fostering confidence.
The adaptivity of the simple programme means that it 'fills in the gaps'. The pupil spends more time on areas where they are struggling, and less time on areas of strength. As part of a government-funded study in England, the programme closed the gap between pupils' reading age and their chronological age.
Note that in England, where ReadingWise works with many schools, the term 'English as an Additional Language' (EAL) is used in place of ESOL. You can read more about our work with ESOL/EAL pupils here.
Key Benefits for New Zealand Schools
Aligned to Ready to Read Phonics Plus
Different countries and phonics programmes sequence the letters and sounds (and related words) in different ways. In New Zealand, the government's Ready to Read Phonics Plus programme starts off with the sounds 'm, a, d, p, o, t, n, i, s.' In England, the government's 'letters and sounds' programme started with 's, a, t, p, i, n.' We have taken the time to align Zip with the same sequence as Ready to Read Phonics Plus for ease of use. (Other sequences are available.)
Tailored Learning for Equity
The Zip programme can be used to address the diverse needs of students across primary schools and secondary schools, including those in English-medium and Māori-medium education. Its adaptive learning approach aligns with the National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP) to reduce barriers and promote literacy success for all learners.
Phonics-Based Interventions: Structured Literacy
Zip's structured phonics approach is in harmony with New Zealand's Literacy Learning Progressions, reinforcing early reading strategies through repetition and interactive exercises. This makes it a useful tool for students who are struggling with decoding.
Support for te reo Māori
Zip can be adapted to support bilingual learners, integrating te reo Māori within the literacy journey. Schools can use the programme alongside Te Whāriki and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, fostering biliteracy in te reo Māori and English.
Currently there are 35 te reo Māori words incorporated into the phonics sequence.
Teacher-Led and Student-Focused
Zip offers flexibility for teachers to incorporate it into the daily classroom schedule or as part of intensive literacy support programmes. Its ability to measure and report progress helps educators assess and address gaps in phonics, ensuring that no student is left behind.
Your Zip Phonics Trial
If you scan our testimonials, you'll note that our support for schools is really strong. Janee, our NZ-based community member, will be available to support you with any questions that you might have during your Zip trial. We hope to add you to our testimonials soon!
The Zip trial is 2 weeks. It will give you a chance to test drive Zip with your pupils and your colleagues and to gather feedback.
Register via the form linked through the button below. We can't wait to work with you.
