Literacy-Rich Classrooms:

Spaces and Places that Inspire Readers and Writers

with Dr. Kimberly Tyson & Ms. Linda Cornwell

InSAI January 2010 Indianapolis, IN

website:

questions…contact information: 800.732.1613

Presenters: Dr. Kimberly Tyson, Learning Unlimited LLC, Lead Consultant

Ms. Linda Cornwell, Learning Unlimited LLC, Lead Associate

Framework of Presentation:

  • Comprehensive Literacy Framework
  • Characteristics of a Literacy-Rich Environment
  • The Literacy Lens: K-12 Audits

Comprehensive Literacy Framework: What It Is & Why It’s Important

  • refers to an overall framework for literacy instruction
  • based upon literacy research
  • does not imply adherence to specific publisher materials, programs, or assessments

Characteristics:

  • addresses reading within
  • includes… listening, speaking
  • includes… primary instruction based on the 5 pillars of effective reading instruction
  • Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension (+motivation)
  • includes a Balanced Approach to Literacy
  • Direct & Indirect Instruction / Practice

Characteristics of a Literacy-Rich Environment

  • What is it?
  • A literacy-rich classroom is one where students are surrounded by print-rich environment and have multiple opportunities to engage with authentic texts for a variety of purposes throughout the day.

From the atmosphere and décor of the room to interactions with peers and teachers, every element of a literacy-rich classroom is designed to motivate students to explore the elements of literacy.

  • Literacy-Rich Environments – Picture Walk through K-12 Classrooms

Classroom Libraries

  • Why Classroom Libraries Are Important…
  • Diverse and accessible classroom libraries increase independent reading
  • Use of literature by teachers increases
  • Planned literature activities & “book talks”increase
  • Frequent exposure to wordsincreases

Labeling the Classroom (K-1)

Student Writing

Anchor Charts & Content Posters

Bulletin Boards

Word Walls

  • Why Literacy-Rich Environments Make a Difference…
  • Kids in classrooms with experiences with reports, narrative, and other forms of writing showed more substantial gains in vocabulary and word recognition.
  • Rich literacy environments, teaching instructional strategies. and using materials that go beyond the basics of reading can compensate for less than ideal home environments.

The Literacy Lenstm: K-12 Literacy Audits

  • What: an objective, in-depth audit & review of literacy practices, policies, and environments
  • Why: provides data and recommendations for short- and long-term planning for literacy improvement
  • What for: to raise test scores and close achievement gaps
  • Recommendations: How School Corporations Use the Results to Move Forward with Recommendations
  • develop a comprehensive literacy framework
  • resource allocation
  • role definement

Learning Unlimited LLC www.learningunlimitedllc.com home of The Literacy Lens