Reading and Writing Instruction for Fourth- And Fifth-Grade Classrooms in a Plc at Work(r)

Prepare students to succeed with increasingly sophisticated reading and writing challenges. Designed for teachers of grades 4-5, this resource helps readers address the pivotal shift in learning expectations that occurs during the upper elementary years. Myriad templates, tools, and strategies are included to support collaborative teams as they work to establish a rich and robust plan for quality literacy instruction, assessment, and intervention.

Use this resource to inspire fourth- and fifth-graders to excel in reading and writing: Understand the role PLCs and collaborative teams play in literacy development and reading comprehension strategies. Obtain strategies and tools, such as the pre-unit protocol, for unpacking and clarifying literacy standards. Explore adaptable, research-based instructional strategies, and learn how to plan high-quality literacy instruction that boosts student reading and writing skills. Examine the four components of the gradual release model--(1) focused instruction, (2) guided instruction, (3) collaborative learning, and (4) independent learning. Observe how to collaboratively score assessments and conduct effective data inquiry and analysis. Study the powerful impact literacy has on student engagement and inclusivity.

Contents:

Introduction: Every Teacher Is a Literacy Teacher

Chapter 1: Establish Clarity About Student Learning Expectations

Chapter 2: Examine Assessment Options for Literacy

Chapter 3: Create a Learning Progression to Guide Instruction and Assessment

Chapter 4: Develop Collective Understanding of Learning Expectations

Chapter 5: Respond to Data to Ensure All Students Learn

Chapter 6: Differentiate Instruction With Gradual Release of Responsibility

Chapter 7: Plan High-Quality Literacy Instruction

Chapter 8: Select Appropriate Instructional Strategies

Chapter 9: Consider Equity in Literacy

Epilogue

Appendix A: List of Figures and Tables

Appendix B: Templates and Tools

Appendix C: Process for Prioritizing Standards

Appendix D: Depth of Knowledge Overview

Appendix E: Essential Understandings and Guiding Questions

References and Resources

Index