Ten “Best Practices” From Kindergartens That Meet High Common Core Standards

common core standards Proven Strategies that Produce Exceptional Literacy Gains

nellie edge seminars and literacy manuals

What are the inspired practices that accomplished early literacy educators use to accelerate literacy for all children, especially our English learners and children needing more support? How do we intentionally create a community of responsible, self-motivated children who love to read and write and who care about each other? Expand your repertoire of practical research-based strategies that produce exceptional language and literacy gains while building positive learning attitudes. Consider these practices as a framework for meeting the challenge of high Common Core State Standards:

  1. Begin with One Consistent Multisensory ABC and Phonics Immersion Program. Sing it, sign it, and send it home!
  2. Use Kindergarten-Friendly Handwriting™ and the “Susie Haas Name Ticket Strategy”.
  3. Teach for Fluency with High-Frequency “Heart Words.” Add sign language, song, rhythm, and rhyme!
  4. Create a Joyful “Writing-to-Read” Classroom. Keep writing real and let them write every day!
  5. Celebrate Language with Memorable Songs, Poems, and Rhymes and Bridge Oral Language to Print. Build rich speaking vocabulary. Do it systematically with great intention and joy!
  6. Implement Gradual Release of Responsibility Models and Differentiate Instruction. Use the Neurological Impress Method of Guided Reading and strategies that simultaneously develop language and reading fluency. Provide many opportunities for powerful practice at school and at home.
  7. Keep Phonics Instruction Meaningful, Multisensory, and Engaging. Use ABC and Phonics Immersion, ABC brain exercises, interactive word work, and “Kid Writing”; Assess progress and differentiate learning. Teach for mastery and transfer.
  8. Give Children High-Quality Literature, “Good-Fit” Books, and a Framework for Building Reading Independence and Stamina. Facilitate repetition with Read and Sing Books. Fill the room with fascinating nonfiction to support deep science explorations.
  9. Use Ongoing, Authentic Assessment Culminating in Student-Led Parents Conferences.  Children learn to self-evaluate, set personal goals, and take learning into their own hands. Teachers, children, and parents need to clearly understand what the Common Core State Standards are.
  10. Build a Respectful and Supportive “Parents as Partners in Kindergarten Literacy” Program. Family connections multiply our teaching effectiveness.

 

website design by Sohn Design Studio