Sometimes teachers do not need another long explanation, they need something useful for tomorrow morning. This section is meant to be that practical grab-and-go space. The more I have learned about literacy instruction, the more I have realized that strong practice usually comes down to a mix of solid evidence, thoughtful planning, and tools that are actually manageable in real classrooms. Research is important, but it becomes most powerful when it helps teachers make clear choices about what to model, what to scaffold, and how to support diverse learners in the moment (Duke & Cartwright, 2021; Graham, 2020; Shanahan, 2020).
The classroom tools linked below are designed to help turn big literacy ideas into daily practice. They connect to some of the most important topics explored throughout this course, including comprehension, vocabulary, writing instruction, text structure, motivation, and support for diverse learners. My hope is that these resources make it easier for teachers to move from “I understand the theory” to “I know what this could look like in my classroom.”
Start Here:
- Comprehension Strategy Prompts
Short prompts to help students predict, question, clarify, and summarize while reading. - Vocabulary Planning Template
A practical tool for choosing target words, teaching meanings clearly, and revisiting vocabulary over time.- Frayer template
- Two-Column
- These two models can be found within Chapter 5: Select Specific Words to Teach In-Depth of The Key Vocabulary Routine.
- Bias and Media Literacy Worksheets
Tools to help students notice perspective, omission, loaded language, and credibility across texts. - Queen’s University Free Lesson links
- A collection of lesson plan resources collected and provided by Queens University