See-Think-Wonder
This visible thinking routine developed by Harvard Project Zero uses observations, inferences, and questions to develop vocabulary and background knowledge, and foster conversations among students.
“No More Strategy of the Week”: Considerations for Connecting Comprehension Instruction Back to the Book
In this article, the authors present some considerations for abandoning decontextualized strategy instruction and instead provide some ideas for how to shape comprehension instruction around the texts we use in the classroom. They offer some guiding theories, some key considerations, and they present examples for classroom teachers.
Reconsidering Reading Levels
The Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read inquiry concluded that running records and reading level assessments have not been effective in identifying students who need additional support or in providing teachers with accurate information to guide instruction. We now know that there are more effective ways to understand student reading skills and ensure that…
Juicy Sentence Guidance
Far too often, students who struggle with reading and language are given simplified, uninteresting texts. These texts are judged to be “at-the-students’ language or reading level” but deny students access to rich, interesting, age-appropriate text. This guidance document outlines some ideas for fostering conversations around “juicy sentences,” where students learn to deconstruct and reconstruct sentences,…
Syntax Knowledge to Practice
In the webinar, Margie Gillis and Nancy Eberhardt explored the effective use of syntax in teaching reading and writing. The webinar highlighted the role syntax plays in enhancing language and literacy. Gillis and Eberhardt highlight a “function-first” approach to teaching syntax, a key element of the Ontario Language curriculum. Specific instructional activities to teach syntax…
The Writing Rope
In this one-hour webinar, author and educator Joan Sedita explains the Writing Rope, a framework that integrates key elements of evidence-based writing instruction. The model includes critical thinking, syntax, text structure, writing craft, and transcription.
Making Sense of Screening Decision Tree
It can be challenging to navigate the many subtests that can be used in universal screening! Skilled reading involves the integration of many subskills. This chart can be used to identify the most pressing need for instruction. For older students – start at the top and work your way down to find the lowest barrier…
Syntax and Grammar Slide Decks: Grades 1 – 5+ (The Syntax Project)
The Syntax Project is an open-source collection of grammar and syntax lessons created by a group of Australian teachers. Melinda Hinch, SLP in Greater Essex County DSB, has adapted the slides to incorporate Canadian content and aligned them with the B3 Language Conventions Continuum. Note that this resource is a Google Drive folder set to…
Reading Fluency: Understand, Assess, Teach
This quick read (56 pages) from well-respected researchers and authors Drs. Hasbrouck & Glaser is an educator-friendly overview of reading fluency: defining it, assessing it, teaching it and integrating it, all backed by an abundance of reading research. This book supports the fluency expectations found in all grades of the 2023 Ontario Language Curriculum.
Dyslexia Myths and Realities
Dr. Tim Odegard addresses myths around dyslexia, sharing his lived experience as a person with dyslexia. His powerful message encourages people with dyslexia to “shatter the myths and live the realities.”
Sample Junior/Intermediate Language Block
This document shows a sample schedule for a language block in the junior or intermediate grades.
thinkSRSD Free Writing Resources
Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) is a highly researched approach to teaching writing. thinkSRSD has created a collection of free instructional materials for narrative, informational, and opinion writing.
