Summer workshops aim at meeting the needs of youngest readers
As the 2021-22 school year came to a close in June, UCS teachers were already planning for how they can meet the needs of their students for this upcoming school year.
The UCS Literacy Department and Teaching & Learning organized a Summer Literacy Blitz for K-5 teachers in the district.
“Summer Literacy Blitz was ‘right on time’,” said literacy coach Marchon Manzella. “The opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and learn the latest and greatest about read alouds, vocabulary, multisyllabic word reading and writing was so beneficial. The researched based practices shared are easy to implement the first week of school! This PD is much appreciated and a perfect way to kick off a new school year!"
The professional learning took place in June and again in August which was optional for teachers. More than 100 educators attended including classroom teachers, special education teachers, and EL teachers.
"Summer Blitz helped me improve my teaching on how to work with students in reading, writing, and vocabulary," said fifth-grade teacher Ben Pado, of Havel Elementary "I have learned so many new skills and strategies."
The two-day professional learning focused on high-quality literacy instruction including an emphasis on classroom literacy practices that are research-aligned.
These practices included foundational literacy skills, writing across content areas, read alouds, vocabulary and supporting all students through Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Teachers were enthusiastic to implement the practices they learned along with the supplemental resources they received to support their classroom instruction.
“I am proud that UCS recognizes that all our students deserve high-quality, science-based literacy instruction and is working to make that possible,” said Lauren Sprow, a third grade teacher at DeKeyser Elementary.
Fifth-grade teacher Christi Inwood, of Havel Elementary, added: "Summer Literacy Blitz was a walk back to putting kids' needs and best practices first."
Original source can be found here.
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