Evidence-Based Literacy Teaching: A Workshop Roadmap for Educators
We recently designed and presented this workshop for a school in far north South Australia. It offers a comprehensive approach to powerful literacy teaching that can benefit all literacy educators across Australia. The presentation focuses on evidence-based strategies to create engaged and successful readers and writers.
Key Insights for Effective Reading Instruction:
- Daily Reading Essentials - According to Allington & Gabriel, every child should daily:
- Choose their own reading material
- Read accurately and comprehensively
- Write about personally meaningful topics
- Discuss reading and writing with peers
- Listen to a fluent adult read aloud
- Reading Time Matters Critically - Research reveals stark differences in reading achievement:
- 67 minutes of reading daily: gives a 98th percentile reading rank
- 4 minutes daily: 30th percentile reading rank
- Classrooms with quality libraries see 50% more reading
- Workshop Model Structure: An evidence based teaching approach involves:
- Minilessons with targeted instruction
- Independent practice
- Student sharing/reflection
- 90-100 minute English blocks, 5 times weekly
- High-Impact Teaching Tools - Recommended classroom resources include:
- Personal/class word walls
- Reading and writing journals
- Reading calendars
- Individual book boxes
- Teacher modeling books
- Instructional Approach - Teachers should:
- Use observations to inform teaching
- Demonstrate success strategies
- Support student independence
- Create satisfying learning experiences
The workshop emphasises a student-centred, evidence-driven approach to literacy that empowers both educators and learners.