Enhancing Literacy

Instruction
For Diverse Learners

Introduction
In our teaching careers, we will encounter a variety of students
with different learning needs and abilities. It is important to
remember that not all students learn in the same way, and that
some students experience much more difficulty in their learning
than others. This is especially true in the development of literacy
skills.
This presentation will highlight several key areas where we can
improve our instructional practices in order to help ALL students to
be successful in literacy.

Outline

Specific areas to be explored are:

Boys Literacy
English Language Learners
Differentiated Instruction
Diverse Literacy Resources

Boys Literacy

Why Should We Focus on Boys Literacy?

The following points are from Ontarios Me Read? No Way! The link
to this document can be found in the Resources section.
Studies have shown that there is a significant achievement gap in
literacy skills between boys and girls
Boys take longer to learn to read, and read less than girls
Boys do not value reading as highly as girls do, and are far less
likely to read for leisure
Significantly more boys declare themselves to be non-readers
Boys comprehension skills of narrative and expository texts are
significantly lower than girls.

Strategies to Improve Boys Literacy

Bring in exciting and engaging texts that boys will take interest in
Adventure, sports, comics, books with relatable male characters, science
fiction, game guides, magazines etc.

Incorporate reading and writing often, and in cross curricular,

meaningful contexts.
Make reading and writing activities FUN!
Fantasy sports leagues, book banquets, creative/silly/scary story writing,
reading contests etc.

Use visuals and graphic organizers

Incorporate the arts into reading and writing
Find positive role models
Through books, in the media, guest speakers, mentor programs etc.

Boys Literacy Resources

Me Read? No Way! and Me Read? And How!
https://learn.etfo-aq.ca/content/enforced/46782-A3211EA/docs/meread.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=YV4gZWDLMvreeUoAAS6qDVnGP&ou=46782

https://learn.etfo-aq.ca/content/enforced/46782A3211EA/docs/meRead_andHow.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=YV4gZWDLMvreeUoAAS6qDVnGP&ou=46782

Both of these resources, created by the Ontario Government, contain a wide range
of strategies and information on how you can improve boys literacy skills, and
reduce the achievement gap between males and females
Youve Got to Read This Books About Boys Book Reviews
http://ygtrt.stcharleslibrary.org/ygtrt/default.asp?Category=6

This website contains over 100 book suggestions for boys. Each review contains a
brief summary, grade recommendation, category/genre, and number of pages

English Language Learners (ELL)

Why Should We Focus on ELLs?

ELL students are faced with a very difficult task learning to read and write and
speak a new language all at once. Language skills, including oral
communication, listening, reading, and writing, are all absolutely essential in
order to be successful in all areas of school. These skills are important socially
as well, as they allow students to communicate with peers.
ELL students, particularly those who have no experience with English at all, will
require extra support in all areas of instruction. It is essential to incorporate
strategies specifically geared to ELLs in order to help them feel comfortable
and confident in using English, achieve success in literacy, and, in turn, be
successful in all other areas of the curriculum.

Strategies to Improve ELL Literacy Skills

Use visual aids, both during lesson instruction and task completion
Help the student to create a picture dictionary for commonly used terms, including classroom
words (desk, chair, coatroom) and phrases (may I go to the washroom, where is the _____?)

Simplify vocabulary, and avoid using slang or colloquial sayings that may cause
confusion
Use a dual language approach, allowing ELL students to complete some work in
first language and share language and culture with peers
Pair student with a peer who speaks the same language
Use technology such as Duolingo and Google Translate
Conference regularly to ensure student understanding and see how student is
feeling
Celebrate Diversity! Have students share about cultures and embrace differences

ELL Literacy Resources

Supporting English Language Learners and Many Roots Many Voices
https://learn.etfo-aq.ca/content/enforced/46782A3211EA/docs/SuportingELL.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=YV4gZWDLMvreeUoAAS6qDVnGP&ou=46782
https://learn.etfo-aq.ca/content/enforced/46782A3211EA/docs/manyroots.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=YV4gZWDLMvreeUoAAS6qDVnGP&ou=46782

Both of these Ontario Government documents contain a significant amount of

information, as well as practical strategies, that can be used to assist ELLs in day
to day learning
Reading A to Z - English Language Learners
https://www.readinga-z.com/ell/

A Great resource for tons of resources! This site gives links to levelled books, Ebooks, activities, assessments and more! All geared specifically to ELLs

Differentiated Instruction

Why is Differentiation Important in Literacy?

We are all unique, and everyone learns best in different ways. This
is a very important thing to remember as we plan for literacy
instruction. As we have a range of learners with different abilities in
our classes, we need to incorporate strategies to help each
individual to be successful.
Literacy can be a very challenging subject for many students, but
with proper support and guidance, student literacy skills can
drastically improve, which will also lead to improvement in other
curriculum areas as well.

Differentiation Strategies for Literacy

Present instructions and information clearly, and in a variety of
ways (ex. Written, visual, orally etc.). Break instructions down
into manageable chunks
Model strategies and think alouds often, and check with students
frequently to ensure understanding
Give students varying levels of support, assistance, and time to
complete tasks depending on needs
Provide choice in tasks and texts differentiate the process,
product, and content

Differentiation in Literacy Resources

Reading Rockets
http://www.readingrockets.org/reading-topics/differentiated-instruction

This website has countless resources including books, activities, and articles that
offer support and strategies. The section on differentiation (found at the link) has
specific videos and articles to support teachers in differentiating instruction in
literacy
Read Write Think Differentiating the Reading Experience for Students
http://www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategy-guides/differentiating-reading-experience-students-30103.html

This strategy guide contains practical ideas and strategies, additional resources, as
well as sample differentiated lesson plans for specific grade levels.

Diverse Literacy

Why Incorporate Diverse Resources in Literacy?

Through incorporating a wide range of texts that address different
concepts, cultures, ideas, world issues, ways of life and so on, we
are able to encourage an equitable, open, welcoming classroom
environment that celebrates differences and accepts others.
Not only will this help to create kind and responsible citizens,
bringing in diverse resources is a wonderful way to differentiate and
engage learners. Bringing in an abundance of different resources
and texts from around the world can show students how much we
can learn from literacy!

Strategies to Encourage a Diverse Literacy Program

Incorporate fiction and non-fiction resources
Resources should include topics such as multiculturalism, immigration,
Aboriginal communities, diverse family structures, gender and sexuality, and
the environment

Encourage students to bring in resources and artifacts from their

homes to share their own backgrounds and cultures
Create cross curricular literacy lessons that can connect to science,
social studies, the arts etc.
Have community circles where students can discuss personal and
world issues in a safe and supportive environment

Diverse Literacy Resources

Kids Books
http://www.kidsbooks.ca/department.aspx?deptid=1&&&

This website suggests a wide range of appropriate texts that could be used to
discuss diversity and world issues. It contains a useful search function to
recommend texts for whatever your focus it!
Kids Activities Diversity Through Language, Culture, and Literacy
http://www.kidactivities.net/post/Diversity-with-Language-and-Literacy.aspx

This website contains a number of practical activities and lessons to accompany

appropriate stories and poems that can aid in teaching diversity to students

Conclusion
As teachers, we want to help all of our students to be
successful, and to enjoy their experience in our classroom. By
incorporating the strategies presented in this presentation, you
can work to develop a classroom where a variety of needs are
met, and all learners are receiving the supports that they need
to do well in literacy.
By being mindful of the different backgrounds, needs, skill
levels, and interests of the children in our classes, we can do
everything possible to encourage improvement in literacy, and a
love of reading in all of our students!