#literacy

Teach students to use graphic organizers to deconstruct text. Types of Organizers: 1. Story Map: For fiction. Fields for characters, setting, problem, key events, and resolution. 2. Venn Diagram: For comparing and contrasting two concepts, characters, or texts. 3. KWL Chart: Before reading non-fiction. Columns for 'What I Know', 'What I Want to Know', and 'What I Learned'. 4. Cause and Effect Chain: For history or science texts. Shows the sequence of events leading to an outcome. 5. Frayer Model: For vocabulary. A four-square chart with definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples. Model how to use each organizer with a shared text before asking students to use them independently.

Organize a classroom library to maximize student use. Organization: 1. Leveling: Use a system like Fountas & Pinnell or Lexile levels, but keep it simple for students (e.g., color-coded stickers). 2. Bins & Baskets: Sort books into bins labeled by genre (fantasy, mystery, biography), author (e.g., a Roald Dahl bin), topic (animals, sports), and series (Harry Potter). 3. Display: Feature new or high-interest books face-out on shelves. Create a 'teacher recommendations' section. 4. Check-out System: Use a simple system like a sign-out binder or a digital tool (e.g., Booksource Classroom). 5. Student Involvement: Assign 'librarian' as a classroom job to help manage the library. Regularly survey students on what books they want to see added.

Design a 1-hour workshop for parents of early elementary students. Agenda: 1. Welcome & Icebreaker (10 mins): 'Share a favorite book from your childhood.' 2. The Science of Reading (15 mins): Briefly explain the importance of phonics and phonemic awareness in a parent-friendly way. 3. Practical Strategies (20 mins): Model simple, fun activities parents can do at home. (e.g., 'I Spy' with letter sounds, using magnetic letters on the fridge, asking 'who, what, where, why' questions during read-alouds). 4. Resource Share (10 mins): Provide a handout with recommended book lists, websites (e.g., Starfall), and local library information. 5. Q&A (5 mins). Provide childcare and snacks to increase attendance. Offer in multiple languages if possible.