Action Plan: In our classroom every reader is seen, heard and valued. by Andrea McConnell

Create "Windows, Mirrors and Sliding Glass Doors" (Rudine Sims Bishop)

anmcconnell1 — 2025-04-27 14:57:25 UTC

Mirrors: Students see their own experiences reflected.
Windows: Students learn about others’ cultures and perspectives.
Sliding Glass Doors: Students step into another's world and build empathy.

Culturally Responsive Library

anmcconnell1 — 2025-04-27 14:57:25 UTC

Our library highlights stories by and about people of many cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Here are just a few examples:

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Diversity Makes Us Stronger by Elizabeth Cole
It's Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

Evidence Based Reading Instruction

anmcconnell1 — 2025-04-27 14:57:25 UTC

We use explicit, systematic instruction based on the science of reading to ensure every child becomes a confident reader.

Our lessons focus daily on the 5 Pillars of Literacy:

Phonemic Awareness
Phonics
Vocabulary
Fluency
Comprhension

Honouring Identities Through Reading

anmcconnell1 — 2025-04-27 14:57:25 UTC

Offer Student Choice in Reading Materials

Let students pick books that interest them or connect to their experiences.
Include magazines, comics, and informational texts that reflect students’ cultures, traditions, and passions.
Choose books that reflect the languages, customs, values, and everyday lives of our students.
Incorporate students’ family and community stories.
Include bilingual books or books in students’ home languages.

Critically Engage with Texts

Discuss stereotypes or cultural inaccuracies when they appear in literature.
Teach students to question and analyze who is telling the story and whose voices might be missing.

Language Supports for ELL Learners

anmcconnell1 — 2025-04-27 14:57:25 UTC

We celebrate all languages spoken in our classroom! We believe language is a strength, not a barrier. Explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics is foundational for all learners, including ELLs. ELL's benefit from direct teaching of vocabulary, especially words that are crucial for understanding texts, commonly used across various contexts, or have multiple meanings.

Supports for English Language Learners:

Bilingual word walls
Visual sentence starters
Student-friendly definitions
Visual aids (e.g., pictures, real objects)
Contextual examples
Opportunities to use new words in speaking and writing

Connection to the Right to Read report

anmcconnell1 — 2025-04-27 14:57:25 UTC

Our literacy instruction meets the recommendations from Ontario’s Right to Read Report by ensuring:

Early explicit instruction in foundational reading skills
Universal screening and progress monitoring
Inclusive culturally responsive classroom practices
Equitable access to evidence-based reading for every student

References

anmcconnell1 — 2025-04-27 15:33:13 UTC

Right to Read Report https://www3.ohrc.on.ca/en/right-read-inquiry-report/executive-summary

The Environment Is a Teacher https://lor.instructure.com/resources/9dcbc6e88da1499fbbbb86e49739875d

Tier 1 Instruction Reading Rockets https://www.readingrockets.org/classroom/evidence-based-instruction/tier-1

Science of Reading and English Language Learners What the Research Has to Say Sarah Schwartz 2022

https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/the-science-of-reading-and-english-language-learners-what-the-research-says/2022/04