What’s Going On in This Picture?
On this site, daily Intriguing Times pictures without captions are posted, offering an opportunity for rich discussion and conversation, building oral language skills.
Barrier Games
Barrier games are fantastic resources to support a child’s speech and language skills. There are many benefits from using barrier games with a child such as developing: listening skills, oral language skills, social language skills, clear talking and understanding of concepts. They are great for extending the amount of information a child can understand or…
ONlit Guiding Principles
These are the key ideas and principles guiding the ONlit team’s work. We hope they might be helpful for you, as well, as we collectively work toward shifting systems to allow all children realize their right to learn to read.
How do I help my students who struggle with writing?
The ultimate goal of writing is communication, says Joan Sedita, founder of Keys to Literacy, who adds that teachers can help students struggling with transcription or spelling by using other strategies like dictation or drawing to help them develop their writing skills.
What are mentor texts? And how should I use them to help students improve their writing?
Joan Sedita, founder of Keys to Literacy, talks about how using “mentor texts” — short pieces of literature students can read and reread for specific learning purposes — can help students become better writers.
How can I motivate young writers?
Motivating young writers is not always easy, says Joan Sedita, founder of Keys to Literacy, but some strategies include giving students opportunities to work collaboratively, encouraging students to write about topics that are meaningful to them, and teaching students the power of writing to an authentic audience.
What are the four stages of the writing process?
Joan Sedita, founder of Keys to Literacy, talks about the four main stages of writing: thinking, planning, writing, and revising and the fact that the more time and effort students put into the first two stages and the last stage, the better their writing will be.
Reading Road Trip: How To Teach Writing with Dr. Steve Graham
In this week’s episode, Kate chats with Dr. Steve Graham about all things writing. Dr. Graham highlights the importance of handwriting and spelling, and unpacks evidence-based strategy instruction to build strong writers.
Reading Road Trip: Dyslexia Facts, Myths and Strategies with Dr. Jack Fletcher
Kate chats with Dr. Jack Fletcher this week, unpacking all things dyslexia: Risk factors and prevention, dyslexia vs dysteachia, instructional tips, wait-to-fail, and dyslexia myths and misconceptions.
Reading Road Trip: Classroom Comprehension with Dr. Kristin Conradi Smith, Tamara Williams & Ellen Frackelton
This week Kate talks to Kristin Conradi Smith, Tammy Williams, and Ellen Frackelton about research-based comprehension strategies for the classroom, including considerations for text selection and preparation, common pitfalls to avoid and “use it tomorrow” ideas. Bottom line: no more strategy of the week!
Reading Road Trip: Equity and Literacy: Real Talk with Kareem Weaver
In this week’s episode, Kate welcomes Kareem Weaver for a candid conversation about the role of literacy in equity, and some myths and misconceptions as strive for the goal of literacy for all.
Reading Road Trip: Next STEPS for Targeted Instruction with Dr. Deb Glaser
This week, Kate chats with Dr. Deb Glaser about the second edition of Next STEPS for Literacy Instruction, co-authored with Dr. Susan Smartt. Kate and Deb unpack how to use valid and reliable assessments to shape effective literacy instructions, particularly through the Next STEPS framework: Set-up, Teach, Engage, Practice, and Show You Know.
