Building the Literacy Block

Transform the way your students engage with learning during your literacy block. In Building the Literacy Block: Structuring the Ultimate ELA Workshop, veteran public-school educator Bridget Spackman delivers an insightful and practical discussion on establishing an authentic and purposeful workshop model while integrating reading and writing instruction to create a rigorous environment for all learners. Every chapter of the book focuses on an individual element of your literacy block, provides example activities, and offers practical tips on how to accommodate a variety of classroom environments, ages, and learners. Readers will also find: Explorations of the essential elements of establishing a strong literacy block and the process necessary for educators to implement this method of instruction Simple and effective strategies for building critical thinking and lifelong learning skills Techniques rooted in modern instructional practices designed to help educators develop authentic learning experiences for all students. A powerful tool that offers upper elementary teachers methods for establishing an authentic and rigorous literacy block, Building the Literacy Block is a must-have resource for 3-6 literacy educators as well as those who work directly or indirectly with students, teachers, and school administrators.

Author’s Note xi Introduction xv Part I: The Basics 1 Chapter 1: No Time for That 5 Chapter 2: We Built This City 25 Chapter 3: Do the Work, Work, Work 43 Part II: The Strategies 59 Chapter 4: Follow the Yellow Brick Road 63 Chapter 5: Pump Up the Jam, Pump It Up 79 Chapter 6: Say My Name, Say My Name 101 Part III: The More 117 Chapter 7: You Can Go Your Own Way 121 Chapter 8: Celebrate Good Times 135 Chapter 9: Come Together, Right Now 153 Conclusion 165 Acknowledgments 175 Index 179