Chapter Graphic : Signs Around Town
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  Level: Year 4 and year 8
Approach: One to one 
Focus: Reading signs with strong visual cues.
336k
Resources: Ten photographs.

Questions / instructions:
I'm going to show you some pictures of signs. Signs usually give us messages or tell us something.
As you look at each picture, try to do two things: read out loud the words on the sign, then tell me what you think the sign means.
Show student each sign in order from 1 to 10. Say, "Here's picture number 1"; "Here's picture number 2", etc. Ask the two questions for each sign (below). Don't give help with reading words. Do give encouragement to try.

   
% responses
2000 ('96)
      
% responses
2000 ('96)
y4
y8
y4
y8
1. Read the words on the sign.
 
2. Explain what you think the sign means without just reading out the words.  
read words accurately
90 (83)
98 (96)
  
read words accurately
32 (26)
82 (75)
explained vehicles can't go in this way
89
95
  
explained that dogs are not allowed in this area
96
97
read words accurately
66 (71)
80 (73)
  
 
no more than 2 words incorrect
85
97
explained you can use a phone here with a Telecom card
66
90
   explained that ducks should not be fed here
70
74
read words accurately
88
97
   explained where ducks should be fed
55
68
explained you can get fish & chips here
83
88
  
 
 
explained why
45
56
explained you can drive in to get them
72
91
  
read words accurately
67
95
read words accurately
86 (79)
94 (91)
  
explained no bikes of any sort allowed here
46
85
explained gates will be closed at 5.30pm
63
88
  
no more than 1 word wrong
51
91
read words accurately
85
95
  
explained construction going on
38
74
explained you should not block this area, it might be needed as a fire exit.
33
68
  
 
explained walk on opposite path
51
74
read words accurately
70
92
  
Explained :
 
Total score:
21 – 25
17
64
you can park here for
55
72
    
17 – 20
36
29
McDonalds
 
13 – 16
27
5
you can be towed away
23
60
9 – 12
11
2
if you park here and
5 – 8
6
0
don't go to McDonalds
 
0 – 4
3
0
Commentary:
On average, about 20 percent more year 8 than year 4 students read the words on individual signs accurately, or explained their meaning adequately. The differences were much larger on the more difficult signs. For four of the signs, it was possible to compare reading accuracy in 1996 and 2000. On average 4 percent more year 4 students and 5 percent more year 8 students read accurately in 2000 than in 1996.
 
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