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In the thematic curriculum , literacy is not taught as an isolated subject. It's the heartbeat of all learning areas . Yet in many classrooms , teachers limit literacy to reading words and copying sentences forgetting that literacy should unlock understanding of the children's environment.

To many covering the schemes of work seems enough but when children can recite notes about plants and communities without truly understanding them , then literacy has failed its purpose . literacy is not about only repeating facts _ it is about using language to make meaning of the world .

It has been proved that children learn best when they see ,touch and talk about what surrounds them . But in most cases , teachers present literacy as abstract notes , read loud and copy . This method robs pupils the chance to connect knowledge with real life .

Literacy with out context is not literacy at all because it separates language from understanding.

The best teachers know that literacy must be practical . Instead of dictating notes about the parts of a plant , they take learners outside to observe a plant , describe it ,draw it and write sentences about it .

Instead of copying sentences about people found in the community, invite a nurse or a farmer to class and guide learners to discuss , write ask questions and write what they have learnt . These activities make children active participants not passive receivers .

Teaches must therefore embrace their role as guides and facilitators . They should link content to children's experience , encourage asking questions and help learners express what they observe in words and drawings .

When methodology is right , literally becomes alive and it grows naturally .

Literacy in the thematic curriculum is not just reading and writing .Its the bridge that connects children to their environment , culture and their future.