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,…
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…
BEE for Reading is speech to print program created and piloted in Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) kindergarten classes. The program in its entirety consists of a manual, lesson slide decks, sound wall materials, centre activities, and home connections. The full program daily schedule includes: 1. Phonemic awareness (i.e., sound identification, blending and…
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…
With a new curriculum, there are lots of new terms for both educators and families to navigate. This glossary contains high-level explanations for many terms used in the Language curriculum, with the goal of supporting partnerships with school and home.
This book is a fantastic resource aligning closely with much of the new Ontario Language Curriculum and reinforcing how assessment can inform our instruction and interventions in order to best help students succeed in literacy. It’s valuable learning for classroom educators, those working in coaching/consulting roles and those in special education. While targeting skills typically…
This excellent, reader-friendly book helps bring the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework to life in the area of literacy, with 10 success factors to help elementary schools get results with MTSS. Success factors include “Group by Skill Deficit”, “Monitor Progress with an Appropriate Assessment”, “Use Intervention Time Wisely” and “Invest in Professional Development”. This…
The Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read Inquiry recommended that the province implement universal early screening using evidence-based tools to reduce bias and support equity. As Ontario educators and boards collectively learn more about screening, several common questions have emerged. This document aims to provide clear language that systems leaders can use to respond…
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.”
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.
Dr. Anita Archer models explicit instruction across multiple content areas (decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, etc.). Each video has an accompanying viewer guide.
This title is a must-read for any educators working with multilingual learners (MLLs) of all ages, referred to in the book as English Learners (ELs). It affirms the necessity of a structured literacy approach for these students, while adding in the extra layers of support that may also be beneficial (e.g., comparing English and home…
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