1st Edition

Re-envisioning the Literacy Block A Guide to Maximizing Instruction in Grades K-8

By Diana Sisson, Betsy Sisson Copyright 2016
    254 Pages 38 B/W Illustrations
    by Eye On Education

    254 Pages 38 B/W Illustrations
    by Eye On Education

    254 Pages 38 B/W Illustrations
    by Eye On Education

    How do you ensure you’re using literacy instruction effectively to meet the needs of all of your students? In this book from Diana and Betsy Sisson, you’ll learn an innovative approach to using the literacy block in a gradual release model that allows you to provide grade-appropriate teaching as well as meaningful, individualized instruction to close the academic gaps of struggling learners and offer accelerated experiences for advanced students.

    What’s Inside

    ·Part I of the book lays out the authors’ framework for the Core Block.

    ·Part II explains how to use the re-envisioned block to integrate the core components of word study, vocabulary development, strategic reading instruction, writers’ craft, and expanded reading opportunities,,

    ·Part III reveals how to use differentiation, project-based learning, and assessment to prepare students for new literacy demands.

    ·The appendix provides literacy block schedules, tools for phonics development and morphology study, and correlations to the Common Core.

    Each chapter includes practical tools and examples, as well as "In Action" boxes show how the ideas look in an authentic classroom.

    Preface

    Meet the Authors

    PART I FOUNDATIONS OF LITERACY INSTRUCTION

    Chapter 1 Historical Trends in Literacy Instruction

        • Brief History of Reading Methodology
        • Origins of the Literacy Block and Guided Reading
        • Benefits & Challenges of the Literacy Block

    Chapter 2 The Core Block

        • Gradual Release of Responsibility Instructional Model
        • Overview of Components in the Core Block

    Whole-Group Instruction

    Word Study

    Vocabulary

    Comprehension and Fluency

      • Guided Reading
      • Small-Group Application

        • The Core Block "In Action"
        • Conclusion

    PART II COMPONENTS OF THE CORE BLOCK

    Chapter 3 Word Study

        • Significance of Word Study for Literacy Achievement
        • Phonemic Awareness
        • Phonics Development
        • Morphology
        • Word Study "In Action"
        • Conclusion

    Chapter 4 Vocabulary Development

        • Significance of Vocabulary for Literacy Achievement
        • Key Principles for Robust Vocabulary Acquisition
        • Personalized Vocabulary Study
        • Vocabulary APP Centers
        • Vocabulary "In Action"
        • Conclusion

    Chapter 5 Strategic Reading Instruction

        • Significance of Comprehension for Literacy Achievement
        • Comprehension APP Centers
        • Universal Comprehension Strategy Instruction
        • Standards-Based Strategy Instruction
        • Prescriptive Strategy Instruction
        • Integrated Strategy Instruction
        • Fluency's Role in Comprehending Text
        • Comprehension Strategies "In Action"
        • Conclusion

    Chapter 6 Writers' Craft

        • Significance of Writers' Craft for Literacy Achievement
        • The Reading-Writing Connection
        • Integrating Writing Instruction in the Classroom

    Intentional Planning

    Explicit Instruction

    Modeled Writing

    Shared Writing

    Guided Practice

    Independent Practice

    Targeted Mini-Lessons

    Ongoing Conferences

        • Writers' Craft "In Action"
        • Conclusion

    Chapter 7 Expanded Reading Opportunities

        • Significance of Expanded Time for Student Reading on Literacy Achievement
        • Read Aloud
        • Independent Reading
        • Book Groups
        • Extended Reading Opportunities "In Action"
        • Conclusion

    PART III ENSURING STUDENT SUCCESS

    Chapter 8 Differentiating Instruction

        • Individualizing Instruction for Students
        • Content
        • Process
        • Product
        • Conclusion

    Chapter 9 Project-Based Learning

        • What is Project-Based Learning?
        • The Power of Project-Based Learning
        • Misconceptions About Project-Based Learning
        • Obstacles in Implementing Project-Based Learning
        • Integration of Projects into Literacy Block
        • Suggested PBL Study Topics
        • Conclusion

    Chapter 10 Assessment

        • Attributes of Effective Assessment

    Aligned to Instructional Purpose

    Reflective of the Learning Process

    Flexible to Meet the Needs of Teachers, Students, and the Classroom

    Geared to Inform Instruction

    Developed as Ongoing Cycle for Teaching and Learning

    Screening

    Diagnosis

    Ongoing Assessment

    Outcome Assessment

        • Varied Means of Assessment

    Anecdotal Records

    Constructed-Response Assessments

    Developmental Spelling Assessments

    Early Literacy Assessments

    Essays

    Informal Reading Inventories

    Objective Tests

    Oral Reading Fluency Measures

    Oral Retelling

    Performance Assessments

    Portfolios

    Rubrics

    Running Records

    Self-Assessments

    Standardized Tests

        • Conclusion

    APPENDIX Appendix A - Literacy Block Schedules

    Appendix B - Phonics Development

    Appendix C - Morphology Study

    Appendix D - Common Core Standards

    References

    Biography

    Diana Sisson and Betsy Sisson are international literacy consultants focusing on professional development and school improvement. They also serve as adjunct professors in the fields of teacher preparation, curriculum and instruction, research in literacy, and special educational programming.

    "Organizing the literacy block can be very challenging with the rigorous and complex curriculum demands of the Common Core, not to mention the additional challenges of meeting all students’ needs through differentiation. So many teachers come to me frustrated and asking, "How do I fit it all in?" This book is a fantastic resource!"

    --Karina Nevers, Learning Strategist, Las Vegas, NV

    "Diana and Betsy Sisson’s book Re-envisioning the Literacy Block blends the theoretical with practical applications that provide excellent resources and tools for educators to become quality literacy teachers. Not only does the book offer teachers direct resources to impact their instruction, it also provides them with strategies to share with parents so they are better equipped to help their children develop and practice their literacy skills at home." 

    --Ann Linson, Superintendent, East Noble School Corporation, Kendallville, IN