THRASS - An Integrated Reading, Spelling and Handwriting Programme

THRASS is an integrated reading, spelling and handwriting programme. It was first introduced at Holy Rosary in January 2006 for Reception Year to Grade 7. THRASS stands for Teaching Handwriting Reading And Spelling Skills.

THRASS makes use of pictures and keywords to teach essential reading, spelling, handwriting and listening skills. The programme exposes the learners to the forty-four phonemes (speech sounds) and the one-hundred-and-twenty key graphemes (spelling choices) of the English language using a picture chart. The picture chart serves as a constant reference point for tackling unknown words.

Improve Your Reading, Spelling and Comprehension

The methodology used in teaching THRASS appeals to visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learners.  The learners particularly enjoy the raps and the Sing-a-Long songs which consolidate their learning.

Since the introduction of THRASS, there has been an improvement in the reading, spelling and comprehension skills of our learners.  They have confidence when tackling unknown words and will attempt to spell words way beyond an age-appropriate level.

A Leading School in THRASS

Holy Rosary School is seen as a leader in the teaching and implementation of THRASS. As a result, we have hosted two Open Days in 2009 to which we invite schools currently implementing THRASS and those still considering implementing THRASS. We have had delegates from several provinces and international delegates from Swaziland attending these days. 

We were also very privileged to have had Alan Davies, the Executive Director of THRASS UK, attend our Open Day in May.  The aim of our Open Days is to give educators, hands-on ideas on how they can successfully implement THRASS,  as they observe  demonstration THRASS lessons and are able to see the progression of THRASS through the different grades.   

More information about THRASS can be found at www.THRASS.co.uk

THRASS at Malamulele

In recognition of the progress made in the teaching of THRASS in the Malamulele, Limpopo mission school, Nic Young, Chief Operating Officer, Unsecured Lending, Absa, arranged for the finance and installation of SMART Board, with laptop, projector and speakers in the Laraine Roberts Room. See the THRASS Newsboard.