Teaching

One simple but powerful way teachers can nurture students’ curiosity is through notebooks. In classrooms, notebooks are not merely places to record learning; they create space for students to collect questions, sketches, observations, discoveries, and evolving ideas.

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, recharge, and dive into a great book that refreshes your literacy knowledge. In this blog post, Cindy Downend shares a thoughtful collection of professional texts for literacy educators — covering early literacy, writing instruction, purposeful reading, and evidence-based teaching practices — all perfect for your summer poolside PD.

There is a growing body of research on what it means to matter, to feel seen, valued, and significant, and the findings are clear: when students experience a genuine sense of mattering, they are more willing to engage, more likely to take risks, and more able to persist through challenges. They become more secure learners. They perform better. How might this translate to literacy instruction?

This five-minute Word of the Day routine helps students build vocabulary, think critically about words, and develop confident, independent word-solving skills.

As educators, we have an opportunity to shift from occasional inclusion to sustained presence — integrating Indigenous perspectives into everyday literacy instruction in ways that are relevant, accurate, and ongoing.

Teaching children to think critically, analytically, and deeply about texts is no easy endeavor. What should you listen for when observing text-based comprehension work in the classroom? Here are six questions to ask to help you sharpen your lens on comprehension instruction.

As literacy educators, we must think carefully about cognitive load, instructional payoff, and how word-solving strategies impact readers’ fluency and comprehension. If a strategy requires a lot of mental effort but works inconsistently, it’s worth asking whether it truly supports readers.

Vocabulary knowledge is a key element in comprehending text. Students need ongoing instruction and support in developing their vocabulary because it affects their ability to comprehend texts and communicate their ideas clearly. Here are three instructional practices for approaching vocabulary instruction that will support students in expanding their word knowledge.

Hip-hop is powerful because it provides a voice and a platform to marginalized communities and critiques injustice. It continues to be a powerful means for young people to critique social injustice, demand change, and celebrate their identities—offering not just music, but a way to imagine and create a better world. At its core, hip-hop is a culture that critiques society.

The holiday season is a wonderful time to spark joy, build community, and celebrate some of the traditions your students bring into the classroom.