Fundamentals of Literacy

Contents

• 1 Becoming an Effective Literacy Teacher 1
• 2 The Critical Components of Effective Reading Instruction 18
• 3 Oral Language and Listening Skill Development in Early Childhood 31
• 4 Phonological Awareness: A Critical Foundation for Beginning Reading 53
• 5 Effective Phonics Instruction 71
• 6 Beginning Handwriting, Spelling, and Composition Instruction 93
• 7 The Common Core State Standards and Text Complexity 111
• 8 Fluency Instruction 121
• 9 What Is Important to Know about Words of Written Language 138
• 10 A Comprehensive, Interactive Approach to Vocabulary Development 185
• 11 Strategic, Meaningful, and Effective Writing Instruction for Elementary Students 205
• 12 Disciplinary Literacy 225
• 13 Current Laws, Policies, Initiatives, Common Core State Standards, and Response to Intervention 241
• 14 Putting It All Together: Becoming an Effective Literacy Teacher 257
• 15 Ten Tips for Becoming an Effective Teacher 270

1 Becoming an Effective Literacy Teacher

Introduction

Congratulations for choosing to become a teacher, one of the most important, rewarding, and challenging occupations. You are in the unique position of changing the lives of students, either by supporting their achievement or contributing to their failure. One of a teacher’s critical responsibilities is to teach students to read well. This book will guide your reading instruction and serves to impart the passion, the motivation, and the knowledge to enable you to be that wonderful teacher.

Objectives

After studying this chapter you will be able to:

1. Articulate the big idea questions and explain their rationale.
2. Explain your responsibilities as a tutor.
3. Define and discuss what constitutes effective instruction.
4. Define and discuss what constitutes differentiated instruction.
5. Discuss common instructional challenges presented by students at risk for educational failure.

2 The Critical Components of Effective Reading Instruction

Several national reports have published converging evidence about what constitutes an effective reading program. This chapter introduces the critical components of reading instruction which are elaborated upon throughout the text.

3 Oral Language and Listening Skill Development in Early Childhood

The years before children enter school are crucial for developing a foundation for literacy. This chapter discusses how to promote oral language and listening skills.

4 Phonological Awareness: A Critical Foundation for Beginning Reading

Phonemic awareness is one of the most researched prerequisites for learning to read. This chapter will guide you in teaching this essential component.

Appendices

Appendix A: Recipe for a Sticky Board 273

Appendix B: Say It and Move it Card 274

Appendix C: Helpful Websites 275

Appendix D: Lesson Plan Template 281

Conclusion

This book will provide you with the basics of what you need to know to teach students to read well. Study it carefully, complete the suggested exercises, and let it guide your journey in becoming an effective literacy teacher.