Literacy

Literacy learning is both a foundation and a process. We have learned that a balanced approach to literacy is the best way to support learners in an ever-changing world.

 

Educators help students:

 

• Identify as capable literacy learners
• Find joy in literacy activities
• Develop literacy skills over time

Balanced literacy places equal value on:

 

• Learning as a foundation involving the teaching of foundational literacy skills
• Learning as a process involving the experiences of inquiry, exploration, and play

 

Effective literacy instruction integrates research-based practices with adaptive teacher expertise. This might involve making use of aspects of a prescribed program while finding ways to personalize, adjust, and extend in response to individual, group, and whole class dynamics. 

 

According to Adrienne Gear, balanced reading instruction engages both the "reading brain" and "thinking brain" to support learners in decoding and comprehending (meaning-making).

 

"A proficient reader reads all the words and understands them."

 

- Adrienne Gear

 

Learning as a Foundation

 

Foundational literacy skills are essential building blocks that support students in developing communication, reading, writing, and comprehension skills. 

Oral Language	Oral language is the system used to receive the thoughts of others and to express our knowledge, ideas, feelings, and perspectives. It includes both speaking and listening.
Phonological and Phonemic Awareness	Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate the spoken parts of words. Phonemic awareness is the ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words.
Phonics	Phonics is the ability to match the sounds of a spoken language with individual letters or groups of letters and apply this knowledge to reading and writing.
Alphabetic Knowledge	Alphabetic knowledge is the ability to recognize upper and lowercase letter names and identify their sounds.
Writing	Writing is the act of recording marks to communicate thoughts and ideas on a visual medium using a set of symbols which represent language.
Concepts of Print	Concepts of print is the understanding that print carries meaning, is organized in a particular way, and serves various functions. Print can be found in the environment, in books, and on screens.
Spelling	Spelling is the forming of words using letters and symbols according to commonly accepted usage.
Word Recognition	Word recognition is the ability to recognize written words with increasing ease.
Reading	Reading involves constructing meaning from written marks, words and symbols.
Metacognition	Metacognition is the awareness and understanding of one's thinking. This involves the use of reflective practices.

 

 

Learning as a Process

 

Inquiry, exploration, and play are essential social and experiential learning opportunities that enable students to take risks and try new things as they develop their communication, reading, writing, and comprehension skills. 

 

Inquiry	Ideas are explored through questions and provocations. Inquiry is investigation that involves asking questions, exploring possibilities, accessing resources, making connections, and addressing problems. Inquiries have no preset outcomes but emerge organically as children and adults think alongside one another.
Exploration	An intentionally set-up environment and materials provoke interest and curiosity and invite children to engage in hands-on learning, often alongside peers. Rich exploration design affords children opportunities to observe, analyze, experiment, innovate, create, and discover.
Free Play and Play-Based Learning	Free play is a self-chosen and self or peer-directed activity that is focused on a joyful process and not the product. Play-based learning includes child-directed, teacher-guided, and teacher-directed play. Play engages children in active, imaginative opportunities and experiences.

 

Research by Stuart Brown (2009) and Peter Gray (2013) support us in understanding the importance of the connection between play and:

 

• Literacy learning
• Human brain development
• Social and emotional development
• Overall wellbeing

 

Assessment