Latest in Literacy Blog
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USBE Partners with Kids Read Now to Provide Free Books to K-3 Students in Utah
Read more: USBE Partners with Kids Read Now to Provide Free Books to K-3 Students in UtahMarch 28, 2023 For Immediate Release Contact: Christine Elegante, k-3 literacy specialist, 801-538-7782, christine.elegante@schools.utah.gov USBE Partners with Kids Read Now to Provide Free Books to K-3 Students in Utah SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) has partnered with Kids Read Now, an innovative nonprofit program that provides free books to young students to…
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Writing is Reading in Reverse
Read more: Writing is Reading in ReverseElementary teachers, reading specialists and literacy coaches all know that to be a good writer, children must also be good readers. They need to understand a plot, the characters, and sequencing and understand the vocabulary that moves a plot forward, explain the actions and motives of a character, and comprehend the changes that take place…
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Literacy Acceleration Playbook
Read more: Literacy Acceleration PlaybookWin. Excel. Beat a personal best. These are the mindsets of athletes. Even those who are not athletes know that in order to meet goals such as winning or surpassing a personal record one must practice, put in hard work, train, learn technique, and take feedback to help refine performance. In addition to the aforementioned…
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The Secret Strength of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Read more: The Secret Strength of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)There’s this widgetsmith on the opening screen of my iPhone that reads, “As long as we’re creating it’s not too late to change our story.” People’s stories motivate and inspire but they also connect us, help us grow. Throughout my years of being an educator, tucking in beside my fellow professionals, really hearing their journey,…
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Embracing Nonfiction
Read more: Embracing NonfictionAt first glance nonfiction books can seem intimidating – facts, numbers, research, real-world stuff, EEK! – but nonfiction doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming. In fact, it can be quite fun with several benefits that kids may not even realize they’re gaining! Embracing nonfiction is one of the best things any kid can do.…
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Teaching Critical Thinking Skills – Using Thinking Skills in Reading
Read more: Teaching Critical Thinking Skills – Using Thinking Skills in ReadingCheck out this webinar, Teaching Critical Thinking Skills – Using Thinking Skills in Reading, where Dr. Andrew Johnson examines how critical and creative thinking skills enhance learning. By the end of the webinar, you will: Understand what a thinking skill is Understand the difference between critical thinking and creative thinking Know how to teach thinking…
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Books, Bricks, and Politics
Read more: Books, Bricks, and PoliticsI recently caught up with a dear colleague. When I asked her what she saw as she worked closely with our teachers and teacher leaders, her immediate answer was “politics”. The concept that everything is political started with Aristotle and is consistently restated today. Although I avoid them, I cannot deny that what I eat,…
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D.R.E.A.M. Literacy
Read more: D.R.E.A.M. LiteracyA literacy environment should be cultivated by its curriculum. Learning how to read and develop literacy skills is a process that will benefit a child their entire life. It is the foundation for other subjects and a manner in which students learn to communicate and learn about their world, near and far. The process to…
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Creating A R.I.C.H. Literacy Environment
Read more: Creating A R.I.C.H. Literacy EnvironmentMost students either really love to read and find joy in growing and sharpening their literacy skills, or they feel the opposite. Their experience depends on two things- the instructional decisions made and the environment in which they learn. Educators are often told to create a “literacy rich” or “print rich” classroom setting, but what…
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Finding the Hook
Read more: Finding the HookIt’s all about the hook. Find what is inspiring to the youth and you find the hook into reading. Take baby steps even if needed. Not interested in reading a book? Start with a graphic novel. Even the old school Baby Sitters Club books are coming back with a vengeance in graphic novel form! Boys!…