Focusing on Read Alouds: K-3 Literacy Essentials

Written by: Christi Gilbert, Literacy Coach/Kent ISD

Essential #2 states: “Read Alouds of age-appropriate books and other materials, print or digital”

Why read alouds?

There is a STRONG research consensus that supports literacy development through read alouds. Children learn about reading and writing from read alouds. They also increase their vocabulary hearing new words during a read aloud.

But, our reality:

Tanya Wright, a lead researcher with the Literacy Essentials, did a study on read alouds.  She visited four classrooms  and conducted over 55 visits. Throughout those visits she noticed two important things:

10 Instructional Literacy Practices for K-3

Time is of the essence!  In education, your daily schedule is filled to the brim.   You’re planning your next meeting or instructional focus on the drive between sports practice, dinner, and the parent-teacher organization meeting.  Sometimes, a few professional “grab and go” options would assist in focusing energy and solidifying next steps.  Often times in education, we ask “What are the Essentials?”

Ways to Give to Children this Holiday Season

How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express, The Night Before Christmas…are all favorite books in my house this time of year.  At bedtime, we have a ritual of reading a few stories as a family and my children (and I) love this special time together.

But I wonder

Students Improve Spelling Skills

Registration is underway for the 37th Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee!

Students who participate in spelling bees improve their spelling skills and expand their vocabularies. In 2014, rounds of vocabulary questions became part of the spelling bee at all levels from the school bee up to the National Spelling Bee. The 2015 Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee and Regional Bees (part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee) will again include vocabulary questions.

Each year 190-200 schools participate in the Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee. Schools with students in grades 4-8 in Allegan, Barry, Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties are eligible to compete. Wordlists are provided for younger students, but only