Literacy K-6

What Do We Know about Literacy Instruction?

Literacy is typically understood as the ability to read and write. The 21st century definition of literacy has certainly expanded to more than just reading and writing. All children must have the ability to gain information, understand that information, and communicate that understanding effectively. The amount of information available to young children today is mind-blowing. With the touch of one finger on a tablet, or by conducting a quick Google search, students literally have access to the universe. Learning is no longer about the regurgitation of facts or retelling a story in sequence, but rather the ability to infer, to empathize, to critique. Additionally, children must have the ability to not only understand and comprehend, but more importantly discern fact from fiction. Our approach to literacy instruction will broaden each student's perspective as they progress toward reading and writing proficiency. The most effective and commonly utilized literacy curriculums within elementary schools today result from highly skilled teachers and principals with a solid understanding of a balanced literacy instructional approach. Each day in all ESM elementary classrooms, you will find students engaging in learning activities within and across the multiple components that define balanced literacy (please see below for more information): 

How Do We Teach Literacy?

ESM has always used a balanced literacy approach to instruction. In this model of literacy instruction, students engage in meaningful literacy activities through which they develop positive and productive literacy habits. It is important to note that within the K-2 and 3-6 classrooms the components of a balanced literacy approach remain the same and include: