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

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

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.