This resource features a collection of thinkSRSD-inspired POWeR (Plan, Organize, Write, Revise) cycles designed specifically for Grade 3 writers. Each cycle supports students in becoming strategic writers through explicit instruction in key strategies, with built-in opportunities to connect writing instruction to Grade 3 content areas.
This handout was adapted from Gillis & Eberhardt (2018) – Syntax: Knowledge to Practice. It unpacks the difference between phrases, independent clauses, and dependent clauses. Please note that it is designed to be used as an educator reference sheet and not as a teaching material with students.
This handout was adapted from Gillis & Eberhardt (2018) – Syntax: Knowledge to Practice. It highlights conventional terms for parts of speech and provides insight into the functional role these units play within sentences. Please note that it is designed to be used as an educator reference sheet and not as a teaching material with…
The Writing Pathway, researched by Dr. Steve Graham, makes high-quality writing instruction accessible to all, blending a researched approach with AI tools that save educators time. Teachers can create writing practice for any topic or content area across grades 3-12.
Grammar on the Go is a playlist of some foundational grammar concepts covered in the new Ontario Language Arts Curriculum (2003) for Grades 1-9. The video series focuses on nouns (common, proper, singular, plural), verbs (past, present, future, progressive, perfect tenses), pronouns (first person, second person, third person), gerunds, adjectives (common, proper, comparative, superlative, pronoun…
Missed the ONlit Syntax Party with Dr. Margie Gillis? Catch up with the recordings – learn about why syntax is necessary for skilled reading and writing, and how to best teach this important language domain.
Keen to build oral language in early childhood? These slide decks were created and generously shared by Melinda Hinch, a Speech-Language Pathologist in Greater Essex County DSB. Each deck follows a scope and sequence of syntax and grammar structures, and uses an explicit “I do it, We do it, You do it” framework to build…
This week, Kate is joined by Nancy Chapel Eberhardt to discuss all things syntax. A key element of language comprehension, equipping students with an understanding of syntax is key to supporting strong reading and writing skills! Take a listen to learn more about how syntax develops and how to best teach this domain of language.
This book, from the Literacy How Professional Learning Series, covers relevant research, knowledge that educators need, activities, assessment and information on selecting and using texts to support syntax instruction in the classroom. Classroom educators from K-3 and those who provide intervention for older learners would benefit from this book, which is also informative professional development…
This article highlights practical activities to support structured instruction of writing, including word-, sentence-, and paragraph-level techniques.
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…
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