School and Community Fall 2023

Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading Into the Balanced Literacy Classroom (2021) by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates This title examines the changes in thinking and misconceptions linked with various reading strategies, along with suggestions for implementation of each one. Topics include reading comprehension, phonemic awareness, phonics, high-frequency words, cueing systems and text selection. The book proposes practical and uncomplicated adjustments that can be implemented to transition towards a classroom centered on the Science of Reading. “Brain words” are dictionaries in the brain where students store and automatically access sounds, spellings and meanings. The authors provide knowledge about neurological circuitry and suggest practical strategies to support reading development. This is a useful book to reference again and again. Fundamentals of Literacy Instruction & Assessment (2020) by Martha Hougen, Ph.D. and Susan Smartt, Ph.D. This book outlines comprehension and fluency instruction with easily applicable resources including tutoring suggestions, activity instructions and a lesson plan template. It is full of proven strategies for active engagement, feedback and ongoing assessment. Readers will appreciate practical guidance on topics such as oral language, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, handwriting, spelling and writing. Analyzing and creating stories can boost literacy skills for all learners. This title is full of downloads and resources for using story frames. Dive in to find 35 adaptable lesson plans and online support materials as well as lists of suggested picture books, chapter books and novels. Dyslexia is My Superpower (Most of the Time) (2017) by Margaret Rooke In this unique resource, Rooke included first-hand accounts of more than 100 children and young adults. They discuss approaches that have helped with dyslexia and those that haven’t. A section is also included for professionals who work in education with advice given by students. Most impressively, the book was illustrated by eight through 18-year-olds with dyslexia. The Dancing Letters (2023) by Evelyne Fournier This is a sweet picture book about dyslexia and the ability to overcome difficulties with support from loved ones. Fournier expertly details the stressful process of writing which many young students begin to experience before formal diagnosis of dyslexia. Story Frames for Teaching Literacy: Enhancing Student Learning Through the Power of Storytelling (2021) by Carolee Dean Brain Words: How the Science of Reading Informs Teaching (2019) by J. Richard Gentry and Gene Ouellette

The Orton-Gillingham podcast has several episodes about dyslexia and the Science of Reading. The “What’s YOUR Superpower? Superheroes with Dyslexia” episodes are highly recommended.

The Sold a Story podcast by APMreports is also worth a listen. The host details various teaching methods that have made learning to read very difficult. With six episodes and two bonus episodes so far, I have found it eyeopening. Literacy is empowering, leads to better opportunities and can break the poverty cycle. The Read, Lead, Exceed Initiative is an important step to higher reading, writing and language skills and to literate citizens. Change is hard in public education and this initiative is no exception. Keep in mind who we are doing it for. Our students are worth it! I hope you will find these supplemental reading suggestions helpful with information and resources that correlate to your literacy program. Would you like book suggestions for your classroom library or for a planned lesson/unit? Check with one of the Reading Circle Committee members for some terrific suggestions.

If you would like to hear more about these resources, contact Lysha at lysha.thompson@sos.mo.gov.