Lessons in decoding in the canton of Vaud

There are countless media, workbooks and other materials available to teach children in their third year of school (aged 6-7) the process of decoding letters. Teachers believe that these materials, which can frequently be bought or found on the internet, play an important role, especially for pupils who struggle to learn to read and write. These widely available materials meet a general need. Since August 2023, however, new institutional-level teaching materials have been available in western Switzerland, pitched at years 1 and 2, with materials for year 3 (learners aged 6-7 year olds) having been introduced in August 2024. How can a teacher choose from this range of materials for initial classroom instruction in reading? Further, how will established teaching materials and those newly introduced by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education of western Switzerland and Tessin (CIIP) co-exist? While teaching materials themselves are not responsible for classroom instruction, the materiality of the additional materials and the phenomenon of pedagogical implementation assume an important role for learners. This transition phase in the educational landscape of western Switzerland demands analysis and assistance in orientation. Our article seeks to address this need.