By Sharon Callen
As teachers, we constantly seek ways to improve the learning environment for our students, making literacy engaging and effective. This blog, inspired by my latest podcast episode, brings together ideas to set up your classroom for success in 2025. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out, these practical tips will help you create a literacy-rich environment, foster a love for reading and writing, and build routines that students thrive on. Building on from our first five tools/strategies: Classroom Libraries, Reading Journals, Quick Writes, Writer's Notebooks, and Word Walls, we have another four:
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Getting Started with Literacy Routines
The key to an effective classroom lies in well-planned literacy routines. How do components like the writer's notebook, reading journal, classroom library, and word wall fit together? And more importantly, why are they essential?
On Teachific, you'll find literacy units by grade to help you start strong. For the beginning of the year, I recommend the Launching the Reading and Writing Workshop unit. This includes guidance on routines and rituals for both reading and writing workshops.
Once the foundation is set, you can explore other units like author studies or poetry. These not only connect reading and writing but also amplify student engagement. For example, planning a 5–6-week unit that interweaves reading and writing makes literacy more meaningful for students.
Need more inspiration? Check out our podcasts, such as The Art of Crafting the Reading Workshop (Episode 17) and The Art of Crafting the Writing Workshop (Episode 19), for deeper insights into building impactful routines.
- Resources: Literacy Units by Grade (Launching Reading and Writing Workshop, Planner)
- Course: The Art of Crafting the Reading Workshop Ep 17, The Art of Crafting the Writing Workshop Ep 19
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Word Work
Word work is vital for developing students' spelling, vocabulary, and understanding of language. On Teachific, under the Spelling by Grade category, you'll find:
- Sample spelling planners: Start with 10-day planners that cover word learning, exploration, and grade-appropriate curriculum objectives.
- Spelling scope and sequence: Comprehensive resources to align spelling instruction across year levels.
It's not just about linking spelling to specific genres like persuasive writing but embedding it within the broader reading and writing processes. This ensures students see words as tools they can use anywhere, anytime.
Building consistent word routines across year levels strengthens students' learning. When children can carry strategies year after year, their growth is exponential.
- Resources: Spelling by Grade: (Sample Spelling Planners, Scope and Sequence F-6)
- Podcasts: Planning for Spelling Across the School, Examining Your Spelling Program, Teaching Spelling Within Writing, Talking to Parents About Spelling, with Diane Snowball
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Read Aloud
A daily Read Aloud is a non-negotiable ritual in literacy instruction. It builds vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and oral language skills while teaching critical reading strategies.
On Teachific, explore the Read Aloud subcategory in the Reading Workshop section for resources and ideas. Additionally, our podcast episodes, such as Capturing Hearts and Minds Through Literature, emphasize the power of intentional read-aloud practices.
Over the holidays, consider curating books for your classroom. For older students, a well-chosen chapter book like Michael Morpurgo's The Fox and the Ghost King can captivate their imagination and model narrative thinking across chapters. For younger grades, pick a mix of engaging picture books to set the tone for the year.
- Resource: Reading Workshop/ Read Aloud (Creating Stronger Readers 3-6 )
- Podcasts: True Tasks: The Importance and Power of Read Alouds Ep 7, Read Aloud: Mem Fox on Capturing Hearts and Minds Through Literature Ep 18, Read Aloud: A Critical Instructional Strategy Ep 92.
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Assessments
Assessment in literacy isn't just about tests; it's about listening, observing, and teaching on the spot. Conferring with students during reading and writing time is one of the most powerful tools.
To support this, check out Teachific's Reading Workshop section for resources like year-level reading conference packs and templates. Pair this with the Listening to Reading and Watching While Writing Protocol by Nell Duke and colleagues. This research-based approach provides clarity on what to observe, making assessment meaningful and actionable.
These tools help you anchor your literacy routines for the year, ensuring ongoing reflection and growth for both you and your students.
- Resources: Reading Workshop> Reading Conferences.
- Podcasts: Conferring: Transformative Tracking: The Reading Conference Ep 35. Assessment Protocol: A New Assessment Tool for Teachers with Sharon Callen Ep 135-137.
Tantalising Texts
Choosing the right texts can ignite a love for reading in your students. Here are two gems:
- The Fox and the Ghost King by Michael Morpurgo
Perfect for Year 2–3 students transitioning to chapter books. With short chapters, beautiful illustrations, and engaging content, this book helps young readers practice thinking across chapters. - The Magnificent Book of Dragons by Stella Caldwell
This non-fiction text captivates readers with its detailed dragon illustrations, intriguing facts, and consistent layout. It's a fantastic way to draw students into informational reading.
Best Wishes for 2025
As we approach the new year, let's celebrate the power of well-crafted literacy routines, tantalising texts, and intentional teaching practices. Whether you're planning long car trips or reflective downtime, consider revisiting podcasts and resources to recharge and refine your teaching.
Here's to a year of inspired teaching and joyful learning. Wishing you and your students a fantastic 2025!
Warm regards,
Sharon Callen