Literacy
When we hear the word " literacy" we think of books, and reading. We tend to focus on the traditional literacy terms-to read and write at a functional level. However, literacy means so much more than that. There is now informational literacy, mathematical literacy, digital, visual, technological, spiritual literacies and the list goes on. My definition comes from the Literacy First: A Plan for Action document produced by the Government of Alberta. Their definition states, " Literacy is more than the ability to read and write. it involves the knowledge, skills and abilities- the competencies-that enable individuals to think critically, communicate effectively, deal with change and solve problems in a variety of contexts to achieve their personal goals, develop their knowledge and potential, and participate fully in society. Can we do all that here in this website? No. This website is created to assist teachers with developing some pedagogy around literacy topics in a succinct and meaningful way. Teachers don't have much time, so my focus is to bring a taste of the latest and greatest to them in brief snippets. That way, they are free to explore the ideas here more fully on their own time. As a professional, I try to stay current with literacy issues and put a spotlight on areas that need attention.
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the 5 Pillars of literacy
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Reading instruction does not end after first grade. Research reveals that when the following five components are effectively taught, they lead to the highest chance of reading success (known as the five pillars of reading): phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. We do not necessarily use all 5 pillars at each grade level. For example, for proficient readers in high school, phonemic awareness is something that they mastered long ago in primary grades. They may occasionally apply some phonic knowledge while decoding some troublesome vocabulary in social studies but they no longer require instruction in this area. Comprehension and vocabulary would take a front seat for highly-skilled readers as they seek to construct meaning from complex text.
For our early learners, the 5 pillars are important as they begin their reading journey moving from phonemic awareness to applying phonics for decoding new words. Teachers focus on building vocabulary as students begin to comprehend text at a greater degree of difficulty, while maintaining fluent reading. No matter what grade, a focus on the 5 pillars lead students to reading success. The infographic to the left informs parents how to develop these skills in their child, and reminds teachers of the importance of each element. There is a plethora of research, including the National Reading Panel’s findings and recommendations, supporting that a strong reading program provides explicit instruction and practice within all 5 pillars. |
