In this blog post, Tim Shanahan offers specific examples of how to scaffold instruction when students are struggling with grade-level text. Start by determining which grade-level materials are the right fit for each student. Next, vary the reading demands. Third, let the kids in on the secret. Make sure they know that instead of teaching them out of second grade books you will be teaching them to read out of a fourth grade book; it will be harder, but also more interesting and more respectful. Other strategies that can help: preteaching vocabulary, giving extra fluency practice up front, and chunking text.
How can we keep rich grade-level texts at the heart of instruction, even in a distance learning scenario? Scaffolding is key, to prevent “Zooming in and zoning out” by students who’d be unable to access the texts without an assist. Teachers are accustomed to scaffolding texts in-person and many of the strategies involve kneeling next to a student’s desk! So, we need to be thoughtful about translating them to remote environments. Here are some strategies that can work well in a remote scenario. (From Curriculum Matters)
Find out how one educator shifted her multisensory reading instruction from face-to-face to distance learning, to support Lily, a first grade student with dyslexia and significant reading difficulty. Activities, materials, and strategies used, what worked well, and lessons learned are described in this case study. And here’s a big takeaway: Lily has become more independent in this new learning environment! (From the Educating All Learners Alliance)
Learn how to build authentic relationships with ELLs this year in virtual and hybrid settings, as well as how to n connect students' experiences to meaningful instruction. You'll find project ideas and easy, effective ways to use technology. (From Colorín Colorado)
“Every teacher strives for educational equity, but probe a little deeper and you’ll find that most teachers weigh heavily the services provided by special education. We imagine highly-trained professionals working one-on-one or in very small groups delivering targeted instruction." In this blog post, Margaret Goldberg (Right to Read) shares some actionable ways that classroom teachers can be more powerful advocates for their students.
Distance learning can be a challenge. Teachers and students will need time and practice to get used to it. It may feel daunting to include all students when your classroom is a videoconference. The principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can help. When you plan with UDL in mind, you proactively reduce barriers to learning so all the students in your class can engage. Here are some best practices for distance learning with UDL. (From Understood)
To support educators in their planning during the COVID-19 pandemic, EdReports created a collection of resources to advocate for and guide decision making around the use of high-quality instructional materials.
The U.S. Department of Education funds a network of 10 Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs). Each REL works with educators and policymakers to support a more evidence-based education system. In response to COVID-19, the RELs collaborated to produce this series of evidence-based resources and guidance about teaching and learning in a remote environment, as well as other considerations brought by the pandemic. You’ll find resources on ELLs, equity, remote learning strategies, social and emotional learning, and supporting students with disabilities.
Refresh your knowledge about this key early literacy skill, with our free self-paced professional development course. Learn more about the development of phonological awareness skills in young children and how to teach them step-by-step. Finish up with a confidence-boosting post-test strategy.
With the Presidential election coming up and the recent celebration of the 19th Amendment and women’s right to vote, many of you are talking with your kids about voting, the long battle for voting rights, how our democracy works, and the importance of civic engagement. Our new guide can help kids explore our government, voting, heroes who fought for voting rights, and what active citizenship can look like in your family and community. Includes booklists, hands-on activities, and more.
Find more related books, activities, and kid-friendly apps, websites, and podcasts:
Here are some creative ideas to keep children engaged with reading, writing, exploring, and learning during out-of-school time, whether they're interested in science, art, nature, history, current events, or almost anything else! (From NEA and Reading Rockets)
In this special Reading Rockets video series, experts answer real questions from families about reading and how to support your children at home. In the first series of videos, reading expert Linda Farrell shares her strategies and tips for which letter sounds to teach first, how to explain the “ea” vowel pair, reading sight words, and more. Have you ever wondered if Bob books are helpful for young readers? Listen in to Linda's answer!
Students with undiagnosed learning disabilities may be missing out on services and supports during distance learning. To help families and caregivers who suspect that their children may have disabilities or developmental delays, Understood and the American Academy of Pediatrics have developed Take N.O.T.E., a digital guide available in English and Spanish. The guide walks parents and caregivers through four steps—Notice, Observe, Talk and Engage—to help them become aware of patterns in a child's behavior, talk with teachers about what they're seeing, and engage with pediatricians and school specialists who can help determine why their child is struggling.
Browse this rich collection of picture books for children 3-9 years old. You'll meet writers, artists, musicians, and others who made a difference through their creativity and work. You'll also discover stories about families and everyday life in Hispanic communities, as well as books about joyful festivals and holidays. We've also included some favorite folktales and beautiful poetry inspired by unique cultures, family traditions, and the landscape. Many books are written in Spanish and English. See Book Finder for more great titles!
Andrea Davis Pinkney is an award-winning author, accomplished editor, and visionary publisher. As a young child, Andrea's family filled her world with stories and experiences and encouraged her to write. In this new interview, Andrea talks about overcoming reading difficulties as a child, writing across genres, collaborating with her husband (illustrator Brian Pinkney) — and her latest book Loretta Little Looks Back: Three Voices Go Tell It. Andrea calls it “a front-row seat to the dramatic events that lead to African Americans claiming the right to vote, and to so much ugly racism that Black people have endured and overcome.” She also co-curated (with Brian) an exhibition of picture book art that focuses on the civil rights movement, Picture the Dream: The Story of Civil Rights Through Children’s Books.
For young children, empathy develops over time. As children’s brains develop, so does their ability to see things from the perspective of others. Kindness requires some thought about the needs and feelings of others. Just as kids develop better motor skills through activity and practice, social skills increase when children observe, think about, and engage in social activity. Here are some ways to help your child develop kindness by seeing it in their own lives and having opportunities to demonstrate kind behaviors.
NEA’s Read Across America
Use these multicultural booklists from NEA and Colorín Colorado to connect your kids to diverse books, languages, and cultures — and spread the joy of reading. And check out the 2020-2021 NEA Read Across America Calendar with monthly themes and recommended books.
Reading Rockets is a national educational service of WETA, the flagship public television and radio station in the nation's capital. The goal of the project is to provide information on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help. Reading Rockets is supported in part by the Poses Family Foundation and Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes.
Send your questions, comments, or suggestions to readingrockets@weta.org. Our mailing address is WETA/Reading Rockets, 2775 S. Quincy St., Arlington, VA 22206. We look forward to hearing from you!
