A Blog by Deborah McCallum
Assessing reading ability is a very difficult task. This is because reading is very complex. What exactly are readers doing when they read? How do they understand what they read? At this day in age, I think we are more aware that reading is one of the most important skills that we need. It is... Continue Reading →
When working with our young readers, the way we design our instruction and assessment has a significant impact on the development of proficiency.
We spend so much time talking about the technology, and all of the great new apps, programs, tips and tricks. Undoubtedly it is a literacy unto itself. But do we really teach our kids how to 'read' the internet? How do we harness literacy skills as they specifically relate to the technologies available to... Continue Reading →
I find that supporting struggling readers in Intermediate is very difficult. It is difficult to support with a classroom library or school library collection, difficult to run guided reading, and difficult to preserve self-esteem because using websites and books that may be at appropriate reading levels are also often for 'little kids'. It is important to... Continue Reading →
There are several key reasons that need to be involved with formally assessing student literacy: First, we can gain key diagnostic information about the current skills that our students have. We also can glean key information about the previous knowledge and experiences of our students through meaningful diagnostic assessments. Second, it provides opportunities for... Continue Reading →
The Forest of Technology is a program/website devoted to connecting and sharing cross-curricular endeavours as they relate to the Forest of Reading. Possibilities for integrating the arts into high quality and recent literature are infinite. Integration with Drama via Greenscreen, and Visual arts, and other digital technologies to document and share learning are all possibilities... Continue Reading →
Earlier this year I began a collaborative teacher inquiry that would set up a technological framework for supporting literacy in the lives of our students, and increasing knowledge. My framework fit very nicely with Ruben Puentedura's SAMR model. The following is an example of one way I am incorporating the SAMR into literacy. Different Entry... Continue Reading →
This year I have been greatly inspired from a Teacher-Librarian at another school, who has been an expert at garnering support for reading amazing Canadian Literature! More specifically - The Forest of Reading from the Ontario Library Association. What I love most about what she does, is that she has built a strong global sense of community... Continue Reading →
