Welcome to Our Blog
A World of Songs, Poems, and Nursery Rhymes
Have you considered the many benefits of using songs, nursery rhymes, and poetry in your classroom? Here are some recommendations as you get started.
Growing as Educators: Making the Shift to a Culture of Professional Learning
The shift from “professional development” to “professional learning” implies a thoughtful design that is part of the school’s shared vision, values, and beliefs.
Teaching Readers (Not Reading): Peter Afflerbach Discusses the Role of Motivation, Engagement, and Metacognition
Looking back on the recent Summer Literacy Institute at Lesley University, researcher and educator Dr. Peter Afflerbach discussed the importance of instruction that moves beyond skills and strategies.
Carl Anderson: Teaching with Mentor Texts
Reflecting on the recent Summer Literacy Institute at Lesley University, educator and author Carl Anderson spoke about how a well-crafted text can model strong writing for students.
Word Study: Pairing Joy and Purpose with Pam Koutrakos
Looking back at the recent Summer Literacy Institute at Lesley University, educator and author Pam Koutrakos discussed how to combine joy and purpose while teaching word study.
Dr. Timothy Rasinski Speaks About the Art and Science of Teaching Reading
Looking back at the recent Summer Literacy Institute at Lesley University, Dr. Timothy Rasinski spoke of how the teaching of reading is both a science and an art.
Mentor Texts: Powerful Tools for Writing Instruction
Studying the craft of writers and considering how to use what they notice develops critical thinking, versatility, identity, and creativity.
Fall 2023: 8-Week Online Graduate Courses
By enrolling in an online graduate course, you have the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
We Are Writers: A Kindergarten Journey
Literacy trainer Heather Rodman reflects on her conversations with a literacy coach in Ardsley Union Free School District, NY. Find out what contributed to these kindergarteners’ identity, agency, and independence as writers.
How to Teach Writing with Mentor Texts
What about teaching writing with mentor texts makes it essential to have in your teaching repertoire? Summer Literacy Institute guest speaker and blogger Carl Anderson breaks down the steps.
Upcoming Professional Development
(Spring Term I)
Small Group, Differentiated Reading Instruction, Grades K-8
In this 8-week online course for classroom teachers and literacy educators, learn how to plan for and teach effective small group, differentiated reading instruction.
(Spring Term II)
Building Capacity Through Continuous Professional Learning
Gain the skills you need to lead meaningful adult learning that strengthens teaching and advances schoolwide literacy goals. During this 8-week online course, you’ll learn how to foster a healthy culture of professional learning and develop your facilitation expertise.
Wondrous Words: Igniting Children’s Passion, Purpose, and Skills for Writing
Join us for this two-day, hands-on workshop where you’ll strengthen your ability to read like a writer and learn how to use mentor texts to help students expand their repertoire of craft moves, grow their identities as writers, and deepen their understanding of writing as a meaningful act.