What does this mean for your child? The Literacy Collaborative is a thoroughly researched model of literacy instruction. The instructional framework used at both the elementary and intermediate levels consist of many literacy experiences that provide for a tremendous amount of authentic reading and writing. A key principle of the Literacy Collaborative is that children are engaged in different types of experiences. These activities range from those, which require a high level of teacher support, to activities which require a level of student independence. The ultimate goal of the program is to make the students’ successful independent readers and writers as they advance through the grades.
At the intermediate level the instructional framework includes three blocks: reading, writing, and language/word study. Students engage in three kinds of reading: independent reading, guided reading, and literature study. They also engage in three kinds of writing: independent writing, guided writing, and writing in the content areas. The language/word study block includes a variety of language, word, and text experiences usually conducted with a group. The elements of the intermediate framework are connected through oral, visual and technological communication, assessed through documentation of progress, and linked to families through home involvement.
Your child will be assessed in September to determine an appropriate instructional reading level. I will be spending time providing instruction in reading and writing that is more individualized to meet the needs of your child. Each day our class will engage in an hour block of a reading and writing workshop. Within these workshops are many components that support your child in writing and thinking about, within and beyond the text they have read. So, let's get started!
