If so, it’s time to bring some March Madness energy into your literacy instruction! Inspired by the excitement of the NCAA basketball tournament, literacy brackets can create a fun, competitive atmosphere that keeps students engaged while reinforcing key reading and writing skills.
Throughout history, women educators have played a pivotal role in shaping literacy instruction, using reading and writing as tools for empowerment and social change. In this installment of Women in Education: Then and Now, we highlight two influential literacy champions—Lucy Craft Laney and Dr. Gholdy Muhammad—who, despite living in different centuries, share a common mission: ensuring all students, particularly Black students, have access to meaningful and empowering literacy education.
Assessing reading comprehension is essential, but traditional methods like quizzes or essays can sometimes feel repetitive or intimidating for students. Enter gamification—a creative approach that transforms assessments into interactive, engaging activities. By incorporating game elements into your literacy instruction, you can motivate students, provide immediate feedback, and deepen their understanding of texts in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Here’s how to use gamification to assess reading comprehension effectively.
Literature provides a powerful lens through which students can explore complex social issues, understand diverse perspectives, and develop empathy. However, facilitating discussions around sensitive topics—such as racism, inequality, or trauma—requires careful planning to ensure students feel safe and respected. By creating a supportive environment, educators can guide students through meaningful conversations that promote critical thinking and personal growth.
Here are strategies to create safe spaces for discussing difficult topics in literature.
Graphic novels have emerged as a dynamic and engaging tool for teaching history, blending compelling visuals with powerful narratives. When it comes to Black history, graphic novels offer a unique way to illuminate stories of resilience, creativity, and cultural contributions, making complex topics accessible and relatable to students.
Here’s how educators can use graphic novels to bring Black history to life in the classroom.
Black educators have played a transformative role in shaping education, both in the past and present. Their contributions have broken barriers, inspired generations, and championed equity and excellence in learning. From pioneering early education initiatives to modern advancements in pedagogy and advocacy, these trailblazers exemplify the power of education to change lives.
Here’s a look at some extraordinary Black educators and how their legacies can inspire today’s classrooms.
Teaching works by Black authors provides an opportunity to celebrate the richness, creativity, and joy that permeates Black literature. From lyrical poetry to gripping novels, Black authors have contributed immeasurably to the literary world, offering stories that explore universal themes of love, family, creativity, and the resilience of the human spirit. By shifting the focus from struggle to celebration, educators can introduce students to a vibrant tapestry of narratives that inspire and uplift.
Here’s how to incorporate the brilliance of historical and contemporary Black authors into your classroom with a focus on joy, connection, and creativity.
Critical literacy empowers students to analyze and question texts, uncover biases, and understand the complexities of societal issues. When taught through the lens of Black history, it becomes a powerful tool for fostering cultural awareness, empathy, and critical thinking. Black history offers rich, multifaceted narratives that challenge dominant perspectives, encourage deeper engagement, and highlight voices often overlooked in traditional curricula. Here’s how educators can use Black history to develop critical literacy skills in their classrooms.
The books and texts we choose for our classrooms play a pivotal role in shaping students’ understanding of themselves and the world around them. However, text selection can sometimes unintentionally reflect biases, limiting students’ exposure to diverse perspectives. By consciously choosing inclusive materials, educators can create a learning environment that affirms all students’ identities and broadens their horizons. Here’s how to overcome bias in text selection and ensure diverse representation in your classroom.
Public libraries are invaluable resources that can significantly enhance literacy development in schools and communities. Beyond offering free books, libraries provide a wealth of programs, tools, and expertise that can support educators, students, and families. Here’s how you can collaborate with your local library to foster literacy growth and build a culture of reading.
