Next STEPS Summer Book Study – Recordings and References

Keen to learn more about using assessment to drive structured literacy in your classroom?   Catch up with our Next STEPS Summer Book Study. Resources related to this ONlit event series, hosted by Jordan Sloan, can be found here. Each session in the series tackles a […]

Syntax Party Recording

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.

Big Sentences by Little Learners: Emergent Syntax & Grammar

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 […]

Teacher’s Guide to Effective Sentence Writing

Sentence combining is an evidence-based practice that helps students improve both their writing skills and reading comprehension. In this valuable book, the author outlines the importance of the sentence and what sentence combining actually is, as well as how to teach and assess it. Also […]

Syntax: Knowledge to Practice

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Sortegories from Sound to Syntax

In this webinar, Nancy Hennessy, Nancy Eberhardt and Sheryl Ferlito unpack syntax instruction. This webinar provides a high-level overview of best practices for syntax instruction. Hennessy and Eberhardt highlight a “function-first” approach that is aligned with the Ontario curriculum – instead of naming and identifying […]

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.

Parent/Caregiver Literacy Term Glossary

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.